https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/jun/26/just-biber-album-review-podger-rises-brilliantly-to-these-sonatas-extreme-challenges
Album Review: Rachel Podger Brings New Life to Biber’s Sonatas
Ten years ago, Rachel Podger released an impressive recording of Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber’s Rosary Sonatas for solo violin and continuo, each piece depicting a moment in Christ’s life. Now, she’s back with a new album featuring more of Biber’s works, including five of the eight sonatas from the set he published in 1681 as well as the intriguing Sonata Representivo, which may or may not be by Biber and likely dates back to 1669.
These compositions are known for their remarkable technical challenges, particularly their use of scordatura, where the violin strings are tuned in unconventional ways. Podger expertly navigates these hurdles, including cleverly imitating animal sounds in the Sonata Representivo. Her expressive approach strikes a perfect balance, staying true to the music’s essence while showcasing her artistry. While these pieces may not have the same striking impact as the Rosary Sonatas, fans of Podger’s previous work with Biber will certainly find plenty to enjoy in this latest release.
Listen to the album on Apple Music or Spotify.
