Evan Johnson, Loretta O'Sullivan, Eric Milnes - Biber: The Fifteen “Mystery” Sonatas & The Passacaglia for Solo Violin (1987)

Heinrich Biber was a giant of the Baroque violin. Just as the electric guitar has become the instrument of "the people" during the late 20th century, so the violin was for the Baroque period. The older family of viols was a mainstay of the aristocracy, while the lighter and louder violin came to embody the voice of the people, and subsequently of the courts. Heinrich Biber was Austrian, but was inspired by the Italian style of fantastic, wild improvisatory playing, and had a lifestyle to match.
These Rosary sonatas have been recorded by several artists, first and notably by Susan Lautenbacher, in a grander style than what may be found here. Evan Johnson's playing has all the abandon and flair that a young Turk might be expected to display. These are very exciting renditions! Sadly, this recording is almost impossible to find. I think Newport Classics is out of business. If you're a fan of the justly well-known Biber violin sonata recordings by Romanesca, this double CD is a must have.