Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Spain

Birth

:

ca. 1649 in Majorca, Spain

Death

:

1722 in Madrid, Spain

Period

:

Classical

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Francisco Guerau was a Spanish composer and guitarist who lived during the Baroque period. He was born in Valencia, Spain in 1649 and little is known about his early life. However, it is believed that he received his musical education in Valencia and was influenced by the music of Italian composers such as Girolamo Frescobaldi and Bernardo Storace. Guerau was a skilled guitarist and his compositions were highly regarded during his lifetime. He was appointed as the guitarist to the Spanish court in 1679 and held this position until his death in 1722. During his time at court, he composed music for various occasions and events, including dances, processions, and religious ceremonies. Guerau's most famous work is the "Poema Harmonico," a collection of guitar pieces that was published in 1694. This collection consists of 14 suites, each containing several pieces that are based on different dance forms such as the sarabande, courante, and gigue. The "Poema Harmonico" is considered to be one of the most important collections of Baroque guitar music and is still studied and performed by guitarists today. In addition to the "Poema Harmonico," Guerau also composed other works for the guitar, including the "Nuevo Metodo de Guitarra," which was published in 1694. This method book contains instructions for playing the guitar and includes examples of Guerau's own compositions. Guerau's music is characterized by its intricate melodies and complex harmonies. His use of counterpoint and ornamentation was highly innovative for his time and his compositions were influential in the development of the Baroque guitar style. Despite his contributions to the world of music, Guerau's music was largely forgotten after his death. It was not until the 20th century that his music was rediscovered and his importance as a composer was recognized. Today, his music is studied and performed by guitarists around the world and his legacy as a composer and guitarist continues to live on.

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