Biber: Harmonia artificioso-ariosa
Der Musikalische Garten this past year released Biber's HAA on Coviello Classics. The collection is of seven suites for small string ensemble, many employing scordatura tunings.
This collection has grown on me over time. When a new recording appears with an old favorite, I'm always inclined to wonder what will be new, different, or done better?
Just like a classical string quartet works on its sound so that the ensemble can sound equally good as one organic instrument versus four independent voices, the synergy between the instruments in these works is important. What's difficult in this pursuit is that the instrumentarium changes from one piece to another, and then we have the employment of different tunings to contend with, which alter the instruments' sound. For these reasons around ensemble fit the piece can be a performer's challenge.
I also look for recordings that have better clarity than others and upon just a few seconds in I realized this recording was especially rewarding when it came to the clarity of sound. A good soundstage is acheived with plenty of closeness and transparency without being dry at all. The individual timbres of the period instruments come through in their differences and when the ensemble needs to blend as one I haven't detected any problems. Color is furhter enhanced by using plucked continuo in addition to organ and harpsichord.
Probably a good candidate for sampling the ensemble's cohesive sound is in the start of the Passacaglia of the Sixth partia. The strong playing and talent of the engineers then allow the strong upper voices to break out of that unified sound as the piece develops.
The same track showcases the ensemble's willingness to push some tempos in this release that are categorically slower in other performances, and while I can find enjoyment from both faster and slower renditions, having a faster alternative makes this release all the more attractive.
Of course playing these dances faster can prove to be a technical challenge, but I liked how they addressed the pieces with flawless technique and dynamic vitality. These qualities and their performance style was consistently applied throughout the recording. While my musical memory of other performances might have ultimately had me wanting for more of something here or something less there, on its own, this reading is as near a reference as any recording could hope to be.
Taking a stroll through Biber's garden would be worth your while, as this season's flora are in full, healthy bloom.
