Biber, Heinrich Ignaz Franz – Rosary Sonata I – The Annunciation: Praeludium

Biber, Heinrich Ignaz Franz – Rosary Sonata I – The Annunciation: Aria, Variatio

Biber, Heinrich Ignaz Franz – Rosary Sonata I – The Annunciation: [Finale]

Thank you all very much for your company during the Autumn term.

As happened last Christmas, I’m going to put some listening for you to dip into (or not!) on the blog over the holiday. If you have any music you’d particularly like to share with others – and, of course, providing I can get hold of it – let me know; I’ll add it to the list.

We start with two composers (and a poet) contemplating the mystery of the Annunciation: Biber in his Rosary Sonatas (violin and continuo) and Hindemith (and Rilke) in their Marienleben, a cycle of poems/songs which recounts the life of the Virgin Mary as imagined by Rilke.

Soile Isokoski – Das Marienleben, Op. 27 (revised version, 1948): No. 3. Maria Verkundigung

Glenn Gould – Das Marienleben for Soprano & Piano (1922-23): 3. Mariä ’Verkündigung – Voice

German text   English translation

Why two versions of the same song? Well, as you can see, Hindemith revised the cycle in 1948 and made extensive changes; since then (inevitably!) debated has raged(?) over which is the better version: which would you choose?

Don’t forget – if you can make it – we’re getting together for a pre-Christmas glass in the Vivian Arms (Sketty) at 8.30ish on Tuesday 18th and, also, we have a lunch booked in PA’s at 12.30 (for 1.00) on Monday 14th January.

Have a very enjoyable Christmas!

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