Background
Heinrich Biber was born on August 12, 1644, in Straz Pod Ralskem, Czech Republic.
Heinrich Biber was born on August 12, 1644, in Straz Pod Ralskem, Czech Republic.
Little is known about Biber's early education, other than that he may have studied at a Jesuit Gymnasium at Troppau in Bohemia, and that he may have had musical education by a local organist.
Heinrich Biber was a composer. He worked in Graz and Kroměříž before he illegally left his employer, Prince-Bishop Carl Liechtenstein-Kastelkorn, 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.
Heinrich Biber was married on 30 May 1672 at the Bishop's summer residence, Hellbrunn Palace, just outside Salzburg. His wife Maria Weiss was a daughter of a Salzburg merchant, citizen and tradesman, Peter Weiss. Together they had 11 children, four of whom survived to adulthood. All were musically gifted.