8 September, 7 pm
Palace of the Grand Dukes, Katedros a. 4, Vilnius
Rosary Sonatas
Heinrich Ignaz von Biber (1644–1704)
Stefano Rossi – violin (Italy / Germany)
Alina Rotaru – organ, harpsichord (Germany / Lithuania)
This programme is a perfect synthesis of the work of Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber, a composer who was capable of illustrating music through daring compositional architectures. Often, when speaking about the Rosary sonatas, the accent is placed on the innovation of the violin technique. Much more intense is the theme on which the work is based – strong, daring, able to illustrate without the help of any vocal part: the life of Jesus. Biber dedicates special attention to the figure of the Holy Virgin: it is through her eyes that we view the story of her Son, from the Annunciation (Sonata I) to the Beatification (Sonata XV). The listener will witness both of the qualities for which Biber is known: as a virtuoso violinist, as well as a composer of sacred music of rare symbolism and intensity.
Stefano Rossi graduated ‘cum laude’ in Baroque violin from the Sweelinck Conservatorium in Amsterdam. He is currently concertmaster of Les Ambassadeurs and the Concerto d’Amsterdam, and collaborates with numerous ensembles such as Il Pomo d’Oro, Holland Baroque and Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra.
* Here you can download the programme notes.
Free admission to the concert, prior reservation is necessary
