Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Spain

Birth

:

1576 in Seville, Spain

Death

:

October 31, 1654 in Segovia, Spain

Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

Francisco Correa de Arrauxo was a Spanish composer and organist who lived during the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods. He was born in Seville, Spain, in 1575, and little is known about his early life and musical training. However, it is believed that he received his musical education in Seville, which was a thriving center of music and culture during the 16th and 17th centuries. Arrauxo's musical career began in the early 1600s when he was appointed as the organist at the Cathedral of Jaén, a position he held until his death in 1647. During his time in Jaén, Arrauxo became known for his virtuosic organ playing and his skill as a composer. He was highly respected by his contemporaries, and his music was widely performed and admired throughout Spain. Arrauxo's most famous work is his "Libro de tientos y discursos de música practica," which was published in 1626. This collection of keyboard music contains 27 pieces, including tientos, fantasias, and other keyboard works. The music is written in a highly virtuosic style, with complex harmonies and intricate counterpoint. The pieces are also notable for their use of chromaticism and dissonance, which was a relatively new development in keyboard music at the time. In addition to his keyboard music, Arrauxo also composed vocal music, including sacred choral works and secular songs. His sacred music includes several masses and motets, which were written for use in the liturgy of the Catholic Church. These works are characterized by their rich harmonies and expressive melodies, which reflect the influence of the Italian Baroque style. Arrauxo's secular music includes several villancicos, which were popular songs that were often performed during the Christmas season. These works are notable for their lively rhythms and catchy melodies, which were designed to appeal to a wide audience. Arrauxo's villancicos were widely performed throughout Spain during the 17th century, and they remain popular with modern audiences today. Despite his success as a composer and organist, Arrauxo's life was not without its challenges. He lived during a time of political and religious upheaval in Spain, and he was forced to navigate the complex political and social landscape of his time. In addition, he suffered from poor health throughout his life, which may have limited his ability to perform and compose music. Despite these challenges, Arrauxo's music has endured and continues to be performed and admired today. His keyboard music, in particular, has been praised for its technical virtuosity and expressive power, and it remains an important part of the keyboard repertoire. Arrauxo's legacy as a composer and organist has had a lasting impact on the history of Spanish music, and his contributions to the development of the Baroque style continue to be celebrated by musicians and music lovers around the world.

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