Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber Essentials

Before Bach, there was Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber (1644-1704). The Bohemian violinist composer is particularly famous for his Rosary Sonatas (also known as the Mystery Sonatas) for violin and continuo, which evocatively illustrate 15 Roman Catholic rosary prayers before concluding with a majestic passacaglia for unaccompanied violin. Biber was also one of the most experimental composers of his era—Battalia presents an ingenious variety of strikingly evocative effects, including an episode involving an cacophony of instruments playing eight different melodies in clashing keys and time signatures. And for sheer sonic grandeur, try his Missa Salisburgensis, written for no less than 53 voices and a rich array of instruments divided into various groups.