Briccius Preprost

Briccius Preprost was born in Celje (Cilia in Latin) in what is now Slovenia.  In 1457 he enrolled at the University of Vienna.  After graduating, he continued at the University, teaching in the Faculty of Arts and serving three times as Dean.  He was influenced by the humanistic thinking then beginning to flow through Europe and was a particular authority on Cicero.  During this period he also obtained a bachelor’s degree and then licentiate in theology.  In 1480/81 he served as Rector of the University.

However in 1485 he became embroiled in the controversy surrounding his compatriot Jurij of Celje who had been accused of writing texts which were indecent and heretical.  Briccius refused to testify at the proceedings conducted by the Faculty of Theology against Jurij and in consequence was expelled from the University.  He transferred to the University of Padua, but the affair came to the attention of the Emperor Frederick III who ordered the Faculty of Theology at Vienna to reinstate Briccius as a full professor.  Because this position required a doctorate in theology, the degree was conferred on Briccius in 1492.  Briccius remained at Vienna until his death in 1505, serving several times as Dean of the Faculty of Theology and twice as Rector of the University.

Briccius is also known for his musical ability.  In 1485 he was appointed a canon of St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna and in 1493 he became cantor.