Sonata No. 7 in C for trumpets

Heinrich Biber (1644-1704) was one of the most significant composers of the High Baroque and, apart from Mozart, ranks as the most accomplished musician that called Salzburg home for much of his life. Though noted today for his sacred works as well as his pioneering approach to violin writing, Biber also wrote fabulous music for brass. His Sonata No. 7 in C Major for Two Trumpets demonstrates a masterful control of the instrument, which was valveless in this era. Biber was among very few composers who featured brass instruments in a big way in his music. Residing at the main Transalpine crossroads, he also brings together the advances in instrumental virtuosity developed in northern Italy with a native tradition of wind music that permeates the Tyrol region to this day. This Sonata lasts less than a minute—a mere whisper and it’s gone.

(c) Jason Stell