Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Spain

Birth

:

1646 in Villafranca de los Barros, Extremadura, Spa

Death

:

1712 in La Plata, Argentina

Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

Juan de Araujo was a Spanish composer who lived in the 17th century. He was born in Villafranca de los Barros, a small town in the province of Badajoz, in 1646. His father was a musician, and he grew up in a musical environment. He learned to play the guitar and the vihuela, and he also studied music theory and composition. In 1664, Araujo moved to Lima, Peru, where he became a choirboy at the Cathedral of Lima. He soon became a prominent musician in the city, and he was appointed as the maestro de capilla (choirmaster) of the cathedral in 1670. He held this position for more than 30 years, until his death in 1712. Araujo was a prolific composer, and he wrote a large number of works for the church, including masses, motets, hymns, and villancicos. His music was influenced by the Spanish and Portuguese traditions, as well as by the indigenous music of Peru. He also incorporated elements of African music, which was brought to Peru by the slaves. One of Araujo's most famous works is the Misa a la Chilena, which is a mass written in the Chilean style. This mass is notable for its use of indigenous instruments, such as the charango and the quena, and for its incorporation of indigenous melodies and rhythms. The Misa a la Chilena is considered to be one of the first examples of mestizo music, which is a blend of European and indigenous music. Another notable work by Araujo is the villancico Los coflades de la estleya, which is a Christmas carol that tells the story of the Three Wise Men. This villancico is notable for its use of African rhythms and percussion instruments, such as the maracas and the tambourine. Araujo's music was highly regarded during his lifetime, and he was considered to be one of the most important composers in the New World. His music was performed not only in Peru, but also in other parts of South America and in Spain. However, after his death, his music fell into obscurity, and it was not until the 20th century that his works were rediscovered and performed again. Today, Juan de Araujo is recognized as one of the most important composers of the Baroque period in the New World. His music is notable for its fusion of European, indigenous, and African elements, and for its contribution to the development of mestizo music. His works continue to be performed and recorded by musicians around the world, and they serve as a testament to the rich musical heritage of Peru and the New World.

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