Riccardo Minasi, Bizzarrie Armoniche - Biber: Rosenkranz Sonaten (2008) [SACD]

Riccardo Minasi plays on a violin for most of the time but also a pair of viola d'amore when required. Accompanying him are Bizzarrie Armoniche, an ensemble of 8 musicians, led by cellist Elana Russo. A wide range of groupings are used, ranging from just organ in the third sonata, joined by trombone(!) in the eleventh sonata right up to cello, harp, theorbo, cembalo and organ in the fourteenth sonata (and many other combinations in between). Also used are a viola da gamba (sonata 6), a lyre (sonatas 1, 9, 10) and a bassett (a rasping double-bass type string instrument - very effective) in sonatas 7 and 12. Fortunately, their sonorities are most pleasing and not in the least bizarre!
Altogether, Minasi and Bizzarrie Armoniche make beautiful music, pointing out the differences in style and mood between the Joyful Mysteries (1-5), the Sorrowful Mysteries (6-10) and the Glorious Mysteries (11-15). Particularly effective is the fourth sonata with its chaconne pre-figuring Bach's great essay for the violin in the same form. Minasi also gets a solo opportunity to close the disc with Biber's wonderful Passacaglia, which is played with the same self-effacing musicianship that distinguishes the rest of the set.
The recording is also good, although Minasi feels a little disjointed from Bizzarrie Armoniche, with a pleasing bloom to the sound (though never too much) and ample clarity of lines.
Altogether, a very highly recommended set.