Antonio de Cabezón
b. Castrilo de Matajudíos (near Burgos), 1510
d. Madrid, March 26, 1566
Biography
Although he became blind in infancy, Antonio de Cabezón was one of the
foremost Spanish organists and composers of the baroque period. In 1521 he left
home to study music in Palencia. By 1526 he was both organist and harpsichordist
to the emperor of Spain, Charles V. When the empress Isabel died, Antonio became
organist to Prince Phillip, and traveled Europe with him, visiting Italy, Germany,
the Netherlands, and England, before returning to Spain.
Antonio de Cabezón was a progressive composer. He was one of the first
to write specifically for keyboard. His works strongly influenced the development
of organ composition throughout Europe.
Representative Works
- Musical Works for Keyboard, Harp and Vihuela (1540-1550)
- Hymn settings
- Kyries
- Psalm versets
- Tientos (an important Spanish contrapuntal form)
- Diferencias (variations)
- Glosas (like vocal motets)