Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Spain

Birth

:

September 6, 1644 in Algemesi, Spain

Death

:

April 29, 1712 in Valencia, Spain

Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Keyboard

 

Juan Cabanilles was a Spanish composer and organist who lived during the Baroque period. He was born on September 6, 1644, in Algemesí, a town in the province of Valencia, Spain. Cabanilles was the son of a musician, and he began his musical education at a young age. He studied under his father, who was the organist at the local church, and later under the renowned organist and composer, Jerónimo de la Torre. Cabanilles showed great talent as a musician, and by the age of 20, he was appointed as the organist at the Cathedral of Valencia. He held this position for over 50 years, until his death in 1712. During his time at the cathedral, Cabanilles composed a large number of works for the organ, which are considered some of the finest examples of Baroque organ music. Cabanilles was a prolific composer, and he wrote over 200 works for the organ, including toccatas, fugues, canzonas, and hymns. His music is characterized by its virtuosity, complexity, and grandeur. Cabanilles was a master of counterpoint, and his works often feature intricate and elaborate polyphonic textures. One of Cabanilles' most famous works is his Tiento de Batalla, which is a musical depiction of a battle. The piece is divided into three sections, each of which represents a different stage of the battle. The first section is slow and solemn, representing the preparation for battle. The second section is fast and frenzied, representing the chaos and violence of the battle itself. The third section is triumphant and celebratory, representing the victory of the victorious army. Another notable work by Cabanilles is his Pasacalles de primer tono, which is a set of variations on a popular Spanish dance tune. The piece is notable for its virtuosic keyboard writing and its use of Spanish rhythms and melodies. Cabanilles' music was highly regarded during his lifetime, and he was considered one of the greatest organists and composers of his time. His influence can be seen in the works of later composers, such as Johann Sebastian Bach, who was known to have studied and admired Cabanilles' music. Despite his great success as a composer and organist, Cabanilles lived a relatively quiet and uneventful life. He never married and had no children, and he spent most of his time at the cathedral, where he devoted himself to his music and his faith. Cabanilles died on April 29, 1712, at the age of 67. His legacy as a composer and organist has endured to this day, and his music continues to be performed and admired by musicians and music lovers around the world.

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