Beesley: Bach & Biber
Sat 8 April @ 17:00 - 18:00
SONATA, PARTITA AND PASSACAGLIA
Bach’s Sonatas and Partitas for violin alone are a true exploration of what possibilities are available for this instrument. Completed by 1720 but not published until 1802, the French style dance movements of the D minor Partita Allemanda – Corrente – Sarabanda – Giga, all consist of two parts repeated to offer more chance for the listener (and dancer) to explore the intricacies of Bach’s exquisite writing while the A minor Sonata explores the Italian style of writing Grave – Fuga – Andante – Allegro, in the pattern of the sonata da Chiesa (church sonata).
Bracketed by these well-known works by Bach is the soulful Passacaglia by Biber which tells the story of the Guardian Angel as the final moment of the Mystery of the Rosary Sonatas. Through a series of variations, Biber explores the rich sonorities and varied instrumental colours, bringing Baroque affects to life in this elevated composition.