Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber

Donald Macleod explores the music, and what little is known of the life, of Baroque master Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber.

Biber’s first appearance in the historical records is in his early 20s, when we find him in the service of Karl Liechtenstein, prince-bishop of Olomouc in central Moravia. In this week’s episode, we meet Biber as he runs an errand for his boss, but mysteriously absconds en route, trading in his old employer for a new and even more illustrious one, Prince-Archbishop Maximilian Gandolph von Küenburg. In Salzburg, Biber put down roots, married the daughter of a wealthy local businessman, fathered eleven children and gradually rose through the court ranks to become Kapellmeister. His risky career-gamble had paid off. Donald introduces us to the musical legacy the elusive composer left behind, playing Biber’s best-known work (his Mystery, or Rosary, Sonatas) as well as his music for church and stage. We also learn about his close relationships with the violin and his home of Salzburg, and the five remarkable printed collections of instrumental music that spread his name across Europe.

Music featured: Missa Alleluia (Kyrie) Sonata ‘La pastorella’ Battalia a 10 (Sonata di marche) Sonata violino solo representativa Partita VI in D (Harmonia Artificioso-Ariosa) The Rosary Sonatas: The Five Joyful Mysteries Passacaglia in G minor for unaccompanied violin Vesperae longiores ac breviores, 1693 Arminio, or Chi la dura la vince (extracts) Litaniae Sancto Josepho Sonata No 11 in A (Sonatae tam Aris, quam Aulis servientes) Partita No 3 in A minor (Mensa sonoris, seu Musica instrumentalis) Sonata No 3 in F (Sonatae violino solo) Sonata No 12 in A major (Fidicinium sacro-profanum) Partita No 1 in D minor (Harmonia artificioso-ariosa) Balletti a 6 (1. Sonata) Missa Salisburgensis Sonata a 7 Sonata Sancti Polycarpi

Presented by Donald Macleod Produced by Chris Barstow for BBC Wales

For full tracklistings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0003rq6

And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we’ve featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z