Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber

born on 12/8/1644 in Wartenberg (Stráž pod Ralskem), Böhmen, Czechia

died on 3/5/1704 in Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria

Heinrich Ignaz Biber

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber (baptised 12 August, 1644 – 3 May, 1704) was a Bohemian-Austrian composer and violinist. Born in the small Bohemian town of Wartenberg (Strá pod Ralskem), Biber worked at Graz and Kromí before he illegally left his Kromí employer and settled in Salzburg. He remained there for the rest of his life, publishing much of his music but apparently seldom, if ever, giving concert tours.

Biber was one of the most important composers for the violin in the history of the instrument. His technique allowed him to easily reach the 6th and 7th positions, employ multiple stops in intricate polyphonic passages, and explore the various possibilities of scordatura tuning. He also wrote one of the earliest known pieces for solo violin, the monumental passacaglia of the Mystery Sonatas. During Biber's lifetime, his music was known and imitated throughout Europe. In late 18th century he was named the best violin composer of the 17th century by music historian Charles Burney. In late 20th century Biber's music, especially the Mystery Sonatas, enjoyed a renaissance. Today, it is widely performed and recorded.

Biography

Biber was born in Wartenberg, Bohemia (now Strá pod Ralskem, Czech Republic). Little is known about his early education, other than that he may have studied at a Jesuit Gymnasium in Bohemia. Before 1668 Biber worked at the court of Prince Johann Seyfried von Eggenberg in Graz, and then was employed by the Bishop of Olomouc, Karl II von Liechtenstein-Kastelkorn, in Kromí. Biber's associate from the early 1660s, Pavel Josef Vejvanovský, worked there as director of the Kapelle. Biber apparently enjoyed a good reputation, and his violin playing skills were very highly regarded.

In summer 1670 Karl II sent Biber to Absam, near Innsbruck, to negotiate with the celebrated instrument maker Jacob Stainer for the purchase of new instruments for the Kapelle. Biber never reached Stainer, however, and instead entered the employ of the Archbishop of Salzburg, Maximilian Gandolph von Kuenburg. Because Karl and Maximilian were friends, Biber's former employer refrained from taking any action; he was, however, very hurt by the composer's decision, and waited until 1676 to officially release him. Biber remained in Salzburg for the rest of his life. His musical and social careers flourished: he started publishing his music in 1676, performed before the Emperor (and was rewarded by him) in 1677, became deputy Kapellmeister at Salzburg in 1679 and Kapellmeister in 1684. In 1690 Biber was raised to nobility by the Emperor, with the title of Biber von Bibern. Finally, the new Archbishop of Salzburg, Johann Ernst, Count Thun, appointed Biber lord high steward, the highest social rank Biber would attain.

The composer got married on 30 May 1672. His wife Maria Weiss was a daughter of a Salzburg merchant. Together they had 11 children, four of whom survived to adulthood. All were musically gifted. Anton Heinrich (1679–1742) and Karl Heinrich (1681–1749) both served as violinists at the Salzburg court, and the latter was promoted to Kapellmeister in 1743. Daughters Maria Cäcilia (born 1674) and Anna Magdalena (1677–1742) became nuns at Santa Clara, Merano, and the Nonnberg Abbey, respectively. Anna Magdalena was an alto singer and a violinist, and in 1727 became director of the choir and the Kapelle of the Abbey.

Works

Biber's violin music was influenced, on one hand, by the Italian tradition of Marco Uccellini and Carlo Farina, and on the other, by the then-nascent German polyphonic tradition as exemplified by Johann Heinrich Schmelzer, who may have been Biber's teacher. Biber's achievements included further development of violin technique–he was able to reach the 6th and 7th positions, and his left-hand and bowing techniques were far more advanced than those of contemporary Italian composers. He also excelled at counterpoint, frequently writing fully polyphonic textures, with much use of multiple stops. Yet another area in which Biber made a substantial contribution was the art of scordatura, i.e. music for alternative tunings of the instrument. Finally, much of Biber's music employs various forms of number symbolism, affekten, programmatic devices, etc., as seen in, for example, the symbolic retuning of the violin for the Resurrection sonata of the Mystery Sonatas.

During the latter half of the 17th century Biber was, together with the composers of the Dresden school (Johann Jakob Walther and Johann Paul von Westhoff), regarded as one of the best and most influential violinists in Europe. However, soon after his death, German violinists started following the style of Arcangelo Corelli and his imitators.

Instrumental music

Biber's finest scordatura writing is represented in two collections. The first dates from c. 1676 and is known variously as Mystery Sonatas, Rosary Sonatas (Mysterien Sonaten, Die Rosenkranz-Sonaten), Copper-Engraving Sonatas, etc., remained unpublished during the composer's lifetime. It comprises sixteen pieces: fifteen sonatas for violin and continuo portraying the fifteen Mysteries of the Rosary, and a long passacaglia for solo violin. In the extant copy of the collection, each piece is accompanied by a small engraving depicting the mystery it portrays, while the engraving for the passacaglia depicts a guardian angel with a child. Only the first and the last pieces use normal tuning; all others employ some form of scordatura:

The sonatas were dedicated to Maximilian Gandolph von Khuenburg, whom Biber addresses in the preface: "I have consecrated the whole to the honour of the XV Sacred Mysteries, which you promote so strongly." Although unpublished during the composer's lifetime, these works are his most popular pieces today, and one of the reasons for the revival of interest in his music. The entire set has been recorded by numerous violinists such as John Holloway, Andrew Manze, and many others. Sonata 15 is famous for one of its themes, which matches the theme of Paganini's Caprice No. 24 almost exactly; it is possible that Paganini was inspired by Biber, just as Franz Liszt, Johannes Brahms and Sergei Rachmaninov were later inspired by Paganini's Caprice.[1]

The second work in which Biber explored scordatura techniques is Harmonia artificioso-ariosa (1696), his last known published collection of instrumental music. It contains seven partitas for two instruments and basso continuo: five for two violins, one for two violas d'amore, and one for violin and viola. Six of the partitas require scordatura tunings, including those for viola and two violas d'amore; Biber utilizes the full potential of the technique, including all possibilities for complex polyphony: some of the pieces are in five parts, with both of the melodic instruments carrying two. Interestingly, no other chamber works by Biber use such devices, and the only other pieces to use scordatura are two of the sonatas included in Sonatae violino solo of 1681. That collection comprises eight sonatas for violin and basso continuo, all noted already by Charles Burney in late 18th century, for the brilliant virtuosic passages and elaborate structures. In contrast to both Mystery Sonatas and Harmonia, these works consist mostly of pieces in free forms (prelude, aria) or variations, rather than dances.

Biber's other published collections of instrumental music are Sonatae tam aris quam aulis servientes (1676), Mensa sonora (1680), and Fidicinium sacroprofanum (1683). Sonatae tam aris contains sonatas in five, six or eight parts; some of them only use string instruments, some include one or two trumpets. Mensa sonora is a set of six partitas for one or two violins, viola, cello, and basso continuo, and Fidicinium sacroprofanum comprises twelve sonatas for one or two violins, two violas, and continuo. Finally, manuscript sources include numerous other pieces: fantasias, balletti, sonatas, etc. Among these are the Battalia, programmatic "battle" piece which anticipates such latter-day techniques as polytonality and col legno playing, and the Sonata representativa, another typical 17th century piece similar to works by Walther and Farina, which imitates various birds and animals. An example of Biber's versatility in instrumental music is the Sonata S Polycarpi, which is scored for eight trumpets and timpani.

Sacred music

Unlike most composers for the violin, Biber did not limit himself to music for the instrument. He was also a prolific composer of sacred vocal works: masses, requiems, motets, etc. Many of those were polychoral and employing large instrumental forces, inspired by the possibilities of the spacious interior of the Salzburg Cathedral. Among the polychoral works, Missa Salisburgensis (1682) is the best known. An expansive setting of the mass for sixteen voices and 37 instrumentalists (i.e. 53 parts total), it was previously attributed to Orazio Benevoli, but today Biber's authorship is certain. The instrumentation includes not only string ensembles, but also oboes, cornetts, trumpets, and timpani. Other polychoral works include Plaudite tympana à 53 (1682) Vesperae à 32 (1693), Missa Bruxellensis (1696), Missa S Henrici (1697), and many others. Although he is best known for the massive polychoral works, Biber was also capable of writing for smaller forces. Missa quadragesimalis is a simple a cappella setting (with only a continuo part provided) for four voices, as is the Stabat Mater.

List of works (selection)

  • C. 1 - Missa Alleluja à 36
  • C. 2 - Missa Sancti Alexii
  • C. 3 - Missa Christi resurgentis
  • C. 4 - Missa ex B
  • C. 5 - Missa Quadragemisalis
  • C. 6 - Missa Sancti Henrici
  • C. 7 - Requiem à 15 in Concerto
  • C. 8 - Requiem ex F con terza minore
  • C. 9 - Laetatus sum a 7
  • C. 10 - Nisi Dominus a 2, violino e basso
  • Vesperae à 32
  • C. 11 - Dixit Dominus
  • C. 12 - Magnificat

Vesperae longiores ac breviores (1693)

  • C. 13 - Dixit Dominus
  • C. 14 - Confitebor tibi Domine
  • C. 15 - Beatus vir
  • C. 16 - Laudate, pueri, Dominum
  • C. 17 - Laudate Dominum
  • C. 18 - Magnificat
  • C. 20 - Laudate pueri
  • C. 23 - Lauda Jerusalem
  • C. 43 - In Festo Trium Regium, Muttetum Natale à 6
  • C. 44 - Litaniae de Sancto Josepho
  • C. 46 - Huc poenitentes
  • C. 47 - Ne cedite mentes
  • C. 48 - Quo abiit dilectus tuus a 8 (Offertorium in Festo 7 dolorum)
  • C. 49 - Salve Regina
  • C. 51 - Arminio, chi la dura la vince. Dramma musicale in three acts

Instrumental music

  • C. 52 Arien à 4
  • C. 53 Arien à 4, for violin, 2 violas & continuo in A major
  • C. 55 Ballettae à 4 Violettae
  • C. 56 Balletti à 4, for violin, 2 violas & continuo in G major
  • C. 58 Balletti
  • C. 59 Balletti Lamentabili à 4
  • C. 60 Balletti
  • C. 61 Battalia à 10, for 3 violins, 4 violas, 2 violone, and continuo,(1673)
  • Harmonia artificioso-ariosa: diversi mode accordata (7 partias for 1 or 2 violins, 2 violas, 2 violas d'amore, and continuo in various combinations) (1696)
    • C. 62 Partia, No. 1 in D minor
    • C. 63 Partia, No. 2 in B minor
    • C. 64 Partia, No. 3 in A major
    • C. 65 Partia, No. 4 in E flat major
    • C. 66 Partia, No. 5 in G minor
    • C. 67 Partia, No. 6 in D major
    • C. 68 Partia, No. 7
  • "Mensa Sonora seu Musica Instrumentalis" (6 suites for violin, two violas, and continuo) (1680)
    • C. 6974
  • C. 75 Serenada à 5 'Der Nachtwächter'
  • C. 76 Trombet-undt Musicalischer Taffeldienst à 4
  • Fidicinium sacroprofanum (12 sonatas for 1 or 2 violins, 2 violas, and continuo) (1683)
    • C. 7889
  • Rosary Sonatas (for violin in scordatura and continuo and a passacaglia for violin solo) (also known as Mystery Sonatas and Copper-Engraving Sonatas) (1676)
    • C. 90 Sonata, for violin & continuo No. 1 in D minor, (The Annunciation)
    • C. 91 Sonata, for violin & continuo No. 2 in A major, (The Visitation)
    • C. 92 Sonata, for violin & continuo No. 3 in B minor, (The Nativity)
    • C. 93 Sonata, for violin & continuo No. 4 in D minor, (The Presentation)
    • C. 94 Sonata, for violin & continuo No. 5 in A major, (The Finding in the Temple)
    • C. 95 Sonata, for violin & continuo No. 6 in C minor, (The Agony in the Garden)
    • C. 96 Sonata, for violin & continuo No. 7 in F major, (The Scourging of Jesus)
    • C. 97 Sonata, for violin & continuo No. 8 in B flat major, (The Crowning of Jesus with Thorns)
    • C. 98 Sonata, for violin & continuo No. 9 in A minor, (The Carrying of the Cross)
    • C. 99 Sonata, for violin & continuo No. 10 in G minor, (The Crucifixion)
    • C. 100 Sonata, for violin & continuo No. 11 in G major,(The Resurrection)
    • C. 101 Sonata, for violin & continuo No. 12 in C major, (The Ascension)
    • C. 102 Sonata, for violin & continuo No. 13 in D minor, (The Descent of the Holy Ghost)
    • C. 103 Sonata, for violin & continuo No. 14 in D major, (The Assumption of our Lady)
    • C. 104 Sonata, for violin & continuo No. 15 in C major, (The Crowning of the Blessed Virgin Mary)
    • C. 105 Passacaglia, for violin solo in G minor
  • C. 106 Pastorella, sonata for violin & continuo in A major
  • C. 108 Sonata, for violin & continuo in E major
  • C. 109 Sonata a 6
  • C. 110 Sonata à 6 "Die pauern kirchfartt genandt", for 3 violins, 2 violas & continuo in B-flat major
  • C. 111 Sonata à 7, 6 Tromb, Tramburin con Organo Ao. 1668
  • C. 112 Sonata 'pro tabula' for 5 recorders, 2 violins, 3 violas & continuo in C major
  • C. 113 Sonata Sancti Polycarpi
  • Sonatae tam aris quam aulis servientes (12 sonatas for 58 instruments [trumpets, strings, and continuo] in various combinations) (1676)
    • C. 114 Sonata, for 2 trumpets, 2 violins, 2 violas & continuo No. 1 in C major
    • C. 115 Sonata, for 2 violins, 3 violas & continuo No. 2 in D major
    • C. 116 Sonata, for 2 violins, 3 violas & continuo No. 3 in G minor
    • C. 117 Sonata, for trumpet, violin, 2 violas & continuo No. 4 in C major
    • C. 118 Sonata, for 2 violins, 3 violas & continuo No. 5 in E minor
    • C. 119 Sonata, for 2 violins, 2 violas & continuo No. 6 in F major
    • C. 120 Sonata, for 2 trumpets, 2 violins & continuo No. 7 in G major
    • C. 121 Sonata, for 2 violins, 2 violas & continuo No. 8 in G major
    • C. 122 Sonata, for 2 violins, 2 violas & continuo No. 9 in B flat major
    • C. 123 Sonata, for trumpet, violin, 2 violas & continuo No. 10 in G minor
    • C. 124 Sonata, for 2 violins, 2 violas & continuo No. 11 in A major
    • C. 125 Sonata, for 2 trumpets, 2 violins, 2 violas & continuo No. 12 in C major
    • C. 126137 A due No. 112
  • Sonatae violino solo (8 sonatas for violin and continuo) (1681)
    • C. 138 Sonata, for violin & continuo No. 1 in A major
    • C. 139 Sonata, for violin & continuo No. 2 in D minor
    • C. 140 Sonata, for violin & continuo No. 3 in F major
    • C. 141 Sonata, for violin & continuo No. 4 in D major
    • C. 142 Sonata, for violin & continuo No. 5 in E minor
    • C. 143 Sonata, for violin & continuo No. 6 in C minor
    • C. 144 Sonata, for violin & continuo No. 7 in G minor
    • C. 145 Sonata, for violin & continuo No. 8 in G major
  • C. 146 Sonata violino solo representativa (Representatio Avium), for violin & continuo in A major, 1669?
  • C. 147 Sonata, for solo violin in A major
  • C. App. 100 Missa Bruxellensis
  • C. App. 101 Missa Salisburgensis
  • C. App. 106 Hymnus "Plaudite Tympana"
  • C. App. 111 Harmonia Romana
  • C. App. 117 Sonata à 3 "AB"
  • C. App. 118 Sonata à 3 ("AB")
  • C. App. 119 Sonata à 4 ("H.B.")
  • C. App. 121 Sonata Jucunda, for 2 violins, 3 violas & continuo in D major

Lost Vocal works

  • Applausi festivi di Giove (cantata) (1687)
  • Li trofei della fede cattolica (cantata) (1687)
  • Alessandro in Pietra (opera) (1689) [2]
  • Trattenimento musicale del'ossequio di Salisburgo (cantata) (1699)
  • Sonata à 3 (for 2 violins and trombone) (Questionable attribution to Biber's early career as a novice composer) The theory that Biber wrote this suggests Antonio Bertali as a teacher. Bertali wrote a number of similar sonatas for exactly the same scoring. This sonata could possibly be attributed to Bertali except that the violin passages are sometimes more fanciful than any other in Bertali's works.[3]

See also

  • Pavel Josef Vejvanovský
  • Johann Heinrich Schmelzer
  • Andreas Hofer (composer)
  • Jan Ktitel Tolar
  • Vinzenz Fux
  • Stylus fantasticus

Recordings

Notes

  1. Hyperion Records|Heinrich Biber
  2. Karl Heinrich Wörner, Wolfgang Gratzer, Lenz Meierott (1993): Geschichte der Musik: ein Studien- und Nachschlagebuch at Google Book Search, p. 229. Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, ISBN 352527811X.
  3. Linn Records Virtuoso in the Making Biber

References

  • Dann, Elias, and Sehnal, Jií. "Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber", Grove Music Online, ed. L. Macy (accessed 2 December 2006), grovemusic.com (subscription access).

External links

This page was last modified 23.07.2010 00:18:02

This article uses material from the article Heinrich Ignaz Biber from the free encyclopedia Wikipedia and it is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.