Biber’s Mystery Sonatas: Alexander Read, Mélisande McNabney & Elinor Frey

MacKay United | 39 Dufferin Rd, Ottawa, ON K1M 2H3

Alongside Bach’s unaccompanied violin music, Biber’s Mystery Sonatas rank among the most challenging works in the Baroque violin repertoire. Biber’s experimentation with the violin remains unique, and although rarely heard as a collection, these fifteen sonatas are astonishingly powerful and deeply emotional. Tonight, Alexander Read (Principal Second Violinist, Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal) joins forces with keyboardist Mélisande McNabney and cellist Elinor Frey for an evening devoted to these joyful, sorrowful, and glorious pieces. As an added feat, the violinist is required to modify the tuning of his instrument according to the sonata being played: Mr. Read will therefore be using four violins, one at a time!

Hearing the complete Mystery Sonatas is a rare and unique opportunity. Including two intermissions appropriately placed for your comfort , this experience will last approximately 3 hours.

• Alexander Readviolin

• Elinor Freycello

• Mélisande McNabneyharpsichord