Vilsmayr, Bertali & Biber: Ostinato / Letzbor, Ars Antiqua Austria

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In music, "ostinato" (Latin obstinatus: "obstinate") is a constantly repeated sequence of notes. A constantly repeated bass motif is perfect for improvisation - which in turn inspired many Baroque composers to write numerous masterpieces. Gunar Letzbor has put together a splendid program from this fund of pieces, including the well-known Ciaconnas by Bertali and Schmelzer and two ostinato-dominated sonatas by the violin virtuoso Biber, but also works by lesser-known composers such as Georg Arnold, Heinrich Döbel and Johann Josef Vilsmayr. In the question of the continuo instrumentation, the Ensemble Ars Antiqua Austria breaks new ground: according to new research, the magnificent Salzburg court, where Biber was Kapellmeister, had a special continuo accompaniment: for this magnificent instrumentation with lute, chitarra attiorba and colachone, the ensemble had the instruments specially reconstructed and now lets the "Salzburg lute continuo" be heard again on this recording.



Product Description:


  • Release Date: January 20, 2023


  • Catalog Number: PC10444


  • UPC: 7619990104440


  • Label: Pan Classics


  • Number of Discs: 1


  • Period: Baroque


  • Composer: Johann Josef Vilsmayr, Antonio Bertali, Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber


  • Orchestra/Ensemble: Ars Antiqua Austria


  • Performer: Gunar Letzbor