Baroque Violinist - Sarah Kiel

Sarah Kiel's Baroque Violin Master's Graduating Recital Program Notes: When putting together this recital program of all 17*h-18*-century violin sonatas, I wanted to cover a wide range of periods and styles that represent what I have learned during my time as a Historical Performance Master's student at Longy. These five works by Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Isabella Leonarda, Pietro Locatelli, Jean-Féry Rebel, and J.S. Bach represent music of the following periods: 17*-century Bohemia, 17*-century Italy, 18th-century Italy, 18th-century France, and 18th-century Germany. Since one of my main interests outside of music is fine art, l also created Powerpoint slides showcasing photos of fine and decorative arts from the time periods and geographical locations of each of the pieces on my program. I took many of these photos myself during my frequent trips to the Museum of Fine Arts Boston and the Harvard University Art Museum. These photos illustrate the varied art and culture throughout Europe during the Baroque musical era, and I hope that they create an immersive experience for you as you listen to this beautiful music. I have also included a handout listing the titles and artists of the artwork shown on each slide, in case you would like to look up any of these works again or feel inspired to look for them on your next trip to the MFA or Harvard University Art Museum! Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber (1644-1704) - Passacaglia in G Minor: This unaccompanied work, concluding Biber's Mystery Sonatas, is one of the most significant solo violin pieces before Bach’s Chaconne. Using a repeating four-note ground bass (G-F-Eb-D), it may reference the Guardian Angel Feast and exemplifies Baroque lament traditions. Isabella Leonarda (1620-1704) - Sonata Duodecima: Leonarda, a pioneering female composer, wrote this as her only known solo violin sonata. Structured in seven sections, it blends free, recitative-like passages with dance-like movements, showcasing her unique voice within early Italian Baroque traditions. Pietro Locatelli (1695-1764) - Sonata da Camera No. 2 in F Major: The most virtuosic work on this program, Locatelli’s sonata features challenging double stops and up-bow staccato, techniques facilitated by a Baroque bow. The three-movement structure includes ornamented melodies, contrasting lively sections, and variations that hint at future violin innovations. Jean-Féry Rebel (1666-1747) - Violin Sonata No. 8 in D Minor: Rebel, a student of Lully and violinist in Louis XIV’s court, combines French and Italian styles. The sonata includes a stately Grave, a lively Courante, and a Rondeau with virtuosic passages, showcasing his innovative fusion of national styles. J.S. Bach (1685-1750) - Sonata No. 5 in F Minor: My favorite piece, this sonata treats violin and harpsichord as equal partners. The emotional Largo gives the melody to the keyboard first, while the Allegro and Vivace movements feature intricate counterpoint. The haunting Adagio travels through unexpected keys, highlighting Bach’s profound expressivity. I hope this program, along with the art pairings, immerses you in the rich cultural tapestry of the Baroque era. Enjoy the performance!