This is an Archiv cd directed by Paul McCreesh and Reinhard Goebel. I'm
reviewing this many months after its initial release as its distribution
in the USA began just a few weeks ago.
The disc is not simply a recording of instrumental/sacred choral written
by Biber. It's an attempt to recreate the musical experience associated
with a huge musical/religious event - the Salzburg celebration of its
1100th anniversary as one of the centers of christianity in 1682.
Planning for this event reportedly commenced decades prior to 1682.
The authorship of the music is not exact. The assumption is that Biber
was the composer, but there is no proof of this. Judging from the music's
quality, I would say that, if it's Biber, it is high quality Biber.
Given the immensity of the event, you would think that the music would be
high on the Richter Scale, and it often is just that.
The recording begins with two fanfares of short duration written by
relatively unknown composers; short was wise since the music has little to
recommend it. I would have preferred doing without this introduction, but
it's easy to eliminate it from the program.
Matters improve significantly with the Missa which starts from track
#2. There is some beautiful and expressive music here with great sound,
vocalizing, and instrumental contributions. Interspersed throughout the
choral passages are three Biber sonatas. Two are just gorgeous works - a
consort-like sonata with trumpets, and a consort piece on its own. The
third sonata, one for brass, is of much lower musical invention than the
others. Overall, the sonatas are effective and enhance the sense of the
occasion. Those stringed instruments sound like heaven.
If one looks at this as "Biber" music, the disc is very good but hardly
a must-buy. However, if one is into the "big event", the disc might be
considered essential.
I do want to emphasize that McCreesh, Goebel, and company do a great job,
and that the music is much better than typical Baroque fare. Also, the
cover is so beautiful and elegant - I don't mean the useless cardboard
cover which can be tossed immediately. When buying the disc, you won't
see the real cover until you rid yourself of the outer cover.
Don's Conclusion - Worthy of Purchase, but do skip the first track. Also,
the Richter Scale passages will have you diving for the volume control, so
stay close to your equipment or a remote device. I'm glad to have this
recording and expect to play it often. Whether it has lasting appeal
remains to be seen.
Don Satz
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