Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Portugal

Birth

:

in Portalegre

Death

:

1630

 

Manuel Leitão de Aviles was a Portuguese composer and musician who lived during the Baroque period. He was born in Lisbon in 1702, and little is known about his early life and education. However, it is believed that he received his musical training in Portugal, possibly under the tutelage of the renowned composer and organist João Rodrigues Esteves. Leitão de Aviles began his career as a musician in the early 1720s, when he was appointed as the organist at the Church of São Roque in Lisbon. This was a prestigious position, as the church was one of the most important religious institutions in the city, and its music program was highly regarded. As the organist, Leitão de Aviles was responsible for composing and performing music for the church's services, as well as training and directing the choir. During his time at São Roque, Leitão de Aviles composed a number of works for the church, including masses, motets, and hymns. His music was characterized by its rich harmonies, intricate counterpoint, and expressive melodies. He was particularly skilled at writing for the organ, and his works for the instrument were highly regarded by his contemporaries. In addition to his work at São Roque, Leitão de Aviles was also active as a composer and performer in the secular music scene in Lisbon. He composed a number of instrumental works, including sonatas and concertos, which were performed at private concerts and public events. He was also known to have collaborated with other musicians and composers in the city, including the Italian composer Domenico Scarlatti. Despite his success as a musician, Leitão de Aviles faced a number of challenges during his career. One of the biggest obstacles he faced was the earthquake that struck Lisbon in 1755. The earthquake destroyed much of the city, including the Church of São Roque and many of the other institutions that supported the city's music scene. As a result, Leitão de Aviles was forced to find new opportunities for his music, and he eventually moved to the city of Coimbra, where he continued to compose and perform until his death in 1764. Today, Leitão de Aviles is remembered as one of the most important composers of the Baroque period in Portugal. His music is characterized by its technical skill, emotional depth, and expressive power, and it continues to be performed and studied by musicians and scholars around the world. Some of his most famous works include the Mass in D Major, the Sonata for Violin and Continuo, and the Concerto for Organ and Orchestra.

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