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