Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Spain

Birth

:

1665 in Barcelona, Spain

Death

:

February 2, 1747 in Barcelona, Spain

Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Choral

 

Francesc Valls was a Spanish composer and musician who lived during the Baroque period. He was born in 1671 in Barcelona, Spain, and was the son of a musician. His father, Joan Valls, was a well-known organist and composer in Barcelona, and it was under his tutelage that Francesc began his musical education. Francesc Valls showed a great aptitude for music from a young age, and he quickly became proficient in playing the organ, harpsichord, and other keyboard instruments. He also showed a talent for composition, and began writing music at a young age. His father recognized his son's talent and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. Francesc Valls began his professional career as a musician and composer in Barcelona, where he worked as an organist and choir director at the Cathedral of Barcelona. He also taught music at the Escolania de Montserrat, a prestigious boys' choir school in Catalonia. One of the highlights of Francesc Valls' career was his appointment as the maestro de capilla (music director) at the Cathedral of Barcelona in 1696. This was a prestigious position, and it gave Valls the opportunity to compose music for the cathedral's choir and orchestra. He held this position for over 40 years, until his death in 1747. During his time as maestro de capilla, Francesc Valls composed a large body of music, including sacred choral works, instrumental music, and secular vocal music. His music was highly regarded during his lifetime, and he was considered one of the leading composers of his time in Spain. One of Valls' most famous works is his Missa Scala Aretina, a setting of the Mass that was composed in 1702. This work is notable for its use of the "Scala Aretina" tuning system, which was a system of tuning that was used in Italy during the Baroque period. The use of this tuning system gave the music a unique and distinctive sound, and it was highly praised by contemporary musicians and critics. Another notable work by Francesc Valls is his Lamentations for Holy Week, which was composed in 1733. This work is a setting of the Lamentations of Jeremiah, which are a series of texts that are traditionally sung during Holy Week in the Catholic Church. Valls' setting of these texts is highly expressive and emotional, and it is considered one of the finest examples of Baroque choral music. In addition to his sacred music, Francesc Valls also composed a number of secular vocal works, including songs and cantatas. These works were often performed at the court of the King of Spain, and they were highly regarded for their beauty and elegance. Francesc Valls was also an important figure in the development of music education in Spain. He was a teacher at the Escolania de Montserrat for many years, and he also wrote a number of treatises on music theory and composition. His most famous treatise is his "Llave de la modulación" (Key to Modulation), which was published in 1738. This treatise was highly influential in Spain, and it helped to establish Valls as one of the leading music theorists of his time. Francesc Valls died in Barcelona in 1747, at the age of 76. He left behind a rich legacy of music, including some of the finest examples of Baroque choral music from Spain. His music continues to be performed and studied today, and he is remembered as one of the most important composers of his time.

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