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Francisco de Vidales was a Spanish composer and organist who lived during the Baroque period. He was born in Burgos, Spain in 1672, and was baptized on December 6th of that year. His father, Juan de Vidales, was a musician and organist, and it is likely that he was the one who taught Francisco how to play the organ. Francisco de Vidales began his musical career as a choirboy at the Cathedral of Burgos. He later became an organist at the same cathedral, and eventually became the maestro de capilla (music director) there in 1701. He held this position until his death in 1709. As a composer, Francisco de Vidales is best known for his sacred music. He composed numerous masses, motets, and hymns, many of which were written for use in the liturgy at the Cathedral of Burgos. His music is characterized by its rich harmonies, expressive melodies, and skillful use of counterpoint. One of Vidales' most famous works is his Missa Salve Regina, which is a setting of the Salve Regina hymn. This mass is notable for its use of a double choir, which creates a rich and complex sound. Another notable work is his hymn "O gloriosa virginum," which is still sung in churches today. In addition to his sacred music, Vidales also composed instrumental music. He wrote several pieces for the organ, including a set of variations on the hymn "Ave maris stella." He also wrote a sonata for violin and continuo, which is one of the earliest known examples of this genre in Spain. Despite his relatively short career, Francisco de Vidales left a lasting impact on the music of his time. His music was highly regarded by his contemporaries, and his influence can be seen in the works of later Spanish composers such as Antonio Soler and Manuel de Falla. Today, Francisco de Vidales is remembered as one of the most important composers of the Spanish Baroque. His music continues to be performed and studied by musicians and scholars around the world, and his legacy lives on in the rich tradition of Spanish classical music.

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