Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber

Baroque Austrian Composer and Violinist

Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber (1644–1704) was a Bohemian-Austrian composer and violinist, renowned for his innovative techniques and the complexity of his music, particularly for the violin. He served as a musician at the court of Prince-Bishop Karl Liechtenstein-Kastelkorn in Olomouc before moving to Salzburg, where he worked for the remainder of his career. In Salzburg, he eventually became Kapellmeister, or music director, at the archbishop's court. Biber's compositions exhibit a remarkable blend of technical skill and emotional expressiveness, with his "Mystery Sonatas" (also known as "Rosary Sonatas") for violin being among his most famous works due to their virtuosic demands and use of scordatura (alternate tunings). His sacred music, which includes masses and requiems, is also highly regarded for its grandeur and complexity. Biber's influence extended beyond his lifetime, contributing significantly to the development of violin technique and Baroque music.