Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber, a Baroque composer and virtuoso violinist, occupies a prominent place in the musical landscape of the 17th century. Born in Bohemia, Biber’s prolific output includes a diverse array of instrumental and vocal compositions.
Renowned for his innovative use of scordatura (alternate tunings) in violin music and his contributions to the development of the Baroque mass, Biber’s works reflect the rich and varied tapestry of the European Baroque era.
Biber’s Missa Salisburgensis, composed around 1682, is a monumental Baroque masterpiece that stands as one of the largest-scale settings of the Mass. Commissioned for the 1,100th anniversary of the Salzburg Cathedral, the Mass is scored for an expansive ensemble, including multiple choirs, vocal soloists, and an orchestra featuring brass, strings, and continuo.
Biber’s Missa Salisburgensis is a triumph of grandeur, showcasing his mastery in handling large forces and creating a resplendent sonic experience. It is presumed that it would have used the four galleries around the base of the dome of the cathedral.
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