Search - Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, La Follia Salzburg :: Biber: Mensa Sonora

A Banquet of Biber

M. De Sapio | Alexandria, VA | 07/22/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you have consumed such Biber masterpieces as the Rosary Sonatas, the SONATAE VIOLINO SOLO and HARMONIA ARTIFICIOSO-ARIOSA, and still hunger for more, treat yourself to this delectable "banquet music". These five little suites add viola and violone to the traditional trio sonata format of two violins and cello, resulting in a fuller, more luxuriant sonority. Here and there you will hear an autumnal, melancholy strain that is quite unlike Biber's other music. And indeed, there is a wonderfully sweet, nostalgic quality to the performances of La Follia Salzburg which perfectly complement the music. In spite of the occasional intonation problem their playing is lovely; and set in a soft, atmospheric acoustic, the whole has a butter-smooth ambience. Also included are ARIEN a 4 (a suite in A major) and the poignant BALLETTI LAMENTABILI, both early Biber works. Recommended to all confirmed Biberphiles.



(Lyrichord owes us an explanation as to why a CD of 17th-century music was adorned with a pair of figures that seem to belong to the world of Mozart. I am a strong believer that cover art should match the music. Thus, recording = 5 stars, cover art = 1 star.)"