Leah Nelson Gale/ Daniel Swenberg / Dongsok Shin - Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber (1644-1704)

(2-CD set) Joyful - Sorrowful - Glorious - 15 violin tunings - 16 evocative pieces in this new Lyrichord recording, 21st century understanding of 17th century performance practice meets the formidable virtuosity of Biber's violin writing. With the most extensive use of scordatura (re-tuning) in violin repertoire, each piece is given it's own sound-world. Using a facsimile of the only surviving manuscript, gut strings, short bows, the orbo and chamber organ, these highly regarded period players offer a historical and impassioned approach to these improvisatory preludes, hymn-like sonatas, and spirited dance movements honoring the Mysteries of the Rosary. Listeners are moved by the power of this music, carrying US through joy, sorrow, and glory, reflecting scenes of life, death, and rebirth.