Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

ca. 1520 in Olivença, Portugal

Death

:

after 1561

Genre

:

Choral

 

Vicente Lusitano was a Portuguese composer and musician who lived during the Renaissance period. He was born in the city of Guarda, Portugal, in the year 1520. Not much is known about his early life, but it is believed that he received his musical education in Portugal, possibly in the city of Coimbra. Lusitano was a prolific composer, and his works were highly regarded during his lifetime. He is best known for his compositions for the lute, which was a popular instrument during the Renaissance period. His music was characterized by its intricate melodies and complex harmonies, and it was often performed at courtly events and other social gatherings. One of Lusitano's most famous works is his book of lute music, entitled "Libro de música de vihuela intitulado Silva de Sirenas" (Book of Music for the Vihuela, Entitled The Forest of Sirens). This book was published in 1554 in Valladolid, Spain, and it contains 48 pieces for the vihuela, which was a type of lute that was popular in Spain and Portugal during the Renaissance period. The pieces in "Silva de Sirenas" are arranged in four sections, each of which is dedicated to a different type of music. The first section contains pieces for the vihuela that are based on popular songs and dances of the time, such as the pavane and the galliard. The second section contains pieces that are based on sacred music, including hymns and motets. The third section contains pieces that are based on secular poetry, and the fourth section contains pieces that are based on instrumental music. Lusitano's music was highly regarded during his lifetime, and it continued to be popular long after his death. His compositions were often performed by other musicians, and they were also used as a source of inspiration by other composers. For example, the famous Spanish composer Francisco Guerrero used one of Lusitano's pieces as the basis for one of his own compositions. Despite his success as a composer, Lusitano's life was not without its challenges. He lived during a time of great political and religious upheaval, and he was forced to flee Portugal in 1548 due to his Jewish heritage. He eventually settled in Spain, where he continued to compose music and teach the lute. Lusitano's music was highly influential during the Renaissance period, and it continues to be studied and performed by musicians today. His compositions are known for their intricate melodies and complex harmonies, and they are considered to be some of the finest examples of Renaissance music.

More....