Ostinato

Biber, Heinrich Ignaz Franz;
Bertali, Antonio;
Arnold, Georg;
Döbel, Heinrich;
Vilsmayr, Johann Joseph

Letzbor, Gunar;
Ars Antiqua Austria

PC 10444

In music, "ostinato" (Latin obstinatus: "obstinate") is a constantly repeated sequence of notes. A constantly repeated bass motif is perfect for improvisation - which in turn inspired many Baroque composers to write numerous masterpieces.

Gunar Letzbor has put together a splendid programme from this fund of pieces, including the well-known Ciaconnas by Bertali and Schmelzer and two ostinato-dominated sonatas by the violin virtuoso Biber, but also works by lesser-known composers such as Georg Arnold, Heinrich Döbel and Johann Josef Vilsmayr. In the question of the continuo instrumentation, the Ensemble Ars Antiqua Austria breaks new ground: according to new research, the magnificent Salzburg court, where Biber was Kapellmeister, had a special continuo accompaniment: for this magnificent instrumentation with lute, chitarra attiorba and colachone, the ensemble had the instruments specially reconstructed and now lets the "Salzburg lute continuo" be heard again on this recording.

Works:

•Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber: Passacaglia
•Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber: Sonata 75
•Georg Arnold: Capriccio
•Antonio Bertali: Ciaccona
•Heinrich Döbel: Sonata A-Dur
•Johann Josef Vilsmayr: Sonata
•Johann Heinrich Schmelzer: Ciaccona

CD

Muzyka klasyczna

Pan Classics

18-01-2023

7619990104440