HEINRICH IGNAZ FRANZ VON BIBER (1644-1704): Mensa sonora, seu Musica instrumentalis, Sonata in A for Violin, Violone and Harpsichord.

Description: Surprisingly, this is the only complete recording of the Mensa available. Six suites of five to seven dances, this is, in German, Tafelmusik, music for the accompaniment of aristocratic dinners and was published in 1680. The 12-minute sonata, recorded from manuscript, is in the arresting, virtuosic style of Biber's other violin works, like the Rosary Sonatas. The Purcell Quartet, Jane Rogers (viola).