Schmelzer, Johann Heinrich 01/01/1623 - 03/20/1680

Johann Heinrich Schmelzer (1623-1680) von Ehrenruef, (born Johann Heinrich Schmelzer, also Schmeltzer) was an Austrian violinist, composer and kapellmeister, born in Scheibbs. He was one of the most well-known violinists of Austria. He was the leading Austrian composer of instrumental music before Biber and had a decisive influence on the development of the sonata and suite forms. He died in Prague (modern-day Czech Republic).