Heinrich Ignaz Franz Von Biber

Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber may have been the finest violinist of the 17th century. He was also a highly innovative composer whose works -- most notably his sonatas for violin -- have gained new prominence in the performing repertory since the historical performance movement began. Biber was born in the Bohemian town of Wartenberg (now in the Czech Republic). Little is known of his background or education, although he is believed to have studied in Vienna with the eminent German violinist Johann Heinrich Schmelzer. He began his career playing violin and gamba in the arist...