Houston Early Music Closes Season With Rare Performance Of 'The Mystery Sonatas'

Classical Baroque music lovers will have a rare opportunity to hear the complete works of Heinrich Biber's "The Mystery Sonatas" on Saturday, May 5, at 7:30 p.m. at the Shepherd School of Music's Duncan Recital Hall at Rice University.

Presented by four members of Boston Baroque - North America's first permanent Baroque orchestra - the concert will close the Houston Early Music 2017-18 season. "The Mystery Sonatas," also known as the Rosary Sonatas, is one of the most extraordinary sets of music ever written for the violin. Laid out like the prayers of the Rosary the 15 sonatas, each depicting a different episode from the story of Christ, are grouped into three sets of five: joyful mysteries, sorrowful mysteries and glorious mysteries.

Boston Baroque's music director, Martin Pearlman, who will provide continuo accompaniment on the harpsichord and organ, will be joined by Michael Leopold on theorbo (a large lute) and Michael Unterman on Baroque 'cello. Christina Day Martinson, Boston Baroque concertmaster and Baroque violinist will solo.

Offering a complete experience for this unique piece, Pearlman will make a few comments from the stage at 7:30, just before the concert begins.

Individual tickets are available for $40 general admission, $35 senior admission and $10 for students with valid student ID card. Children under the age of 15 receive free admission. Tickets are available online at HoustonEarlyMusic.org.

Photo courtesy of Kathy Wittman.