LXXXIV. BIBER, Heinrich: Battalia à 10

LXXXIV. BIBER, Heinrich Ignaz Franz (1644-1704)

Battalia à 10 (1673)
1. Sonata
2. Presto
3. Mars
4. Presto
5. Aria
6. Die Schlacht (Cello Battle)
7. Lamento der Verwundten Musquetirer (Lament for the Wounded)
Voices of Music
Hanneke van Proosdij and David Taylor, cond.
(10:32)

Born in Bohemia, flourished in Salzburg, Biber was one of the most important violinst/composers of the 17th century. His writing contains elements of techniques which didn't reappear again until the 20th century, like scordatura, col legno and polytonality.

Think about the life expectancy back then. Biber was not a pauper, but he had 11 children, only four of whom survived into adulthood.

Watch the video and you'll see the musicians employing some decidedly "modern" effects.