Biber: Unam Ceylum /Holloway * Assenbaum * Mortensen
Biber was a violin virtuoso and kapellmeister, whose music continues to fascinate and, often, amaze. His set of "Biblical Sonatas" has long been a favorite of Baroque specialists. Here, Baroque violinist John Holloway rescues other Biber sonatas from undeserved obscurity. The disc includes two unpublished sonatas and four from Biber's 1681 collection that cemented his position among his contemporaries. All of the works are full of dazzling technical effects and unexpected turns. The F Major Sonata, for example, balances attractive melodies with an abundance of surprises, both musical and technical, and concludes with a grand chaconne capped by a whirlwind finish. Holloway is equal to the significant demands Biber imposes on his soloist. He's accompanied by both harpsichord and organ, whose weighty presence thickens the textures. An exciting foray into Baroque extravagance.--Dan Davis