Role

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Composer

Birth

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1661

Death

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1727

Genre

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Keyboard

 

José de Torres was a Spanish composer and musician who lived during the Baroque period. He was born in Madrid in 1670 and was baptized on March 28 of that year. Not much is known about his early life, but it is believed that he received his musical education in Madrid, possibly at the Royal Chapel. Torres began his career as a musician in the early 1690s, when he was appointed as a singer at the Royal Chapel. He quickly rose through the ranks and became the chapel's maestro de capilla (music director) in 1701. He held this position until his death in 1738. As maestro de capilla, Torres was responsible for composing and directing music for the Royal Chapel's services and ceremonies. He also taught music to the chapel's choirboys and oversaw the chapel's musical instruments and library. Torres was a prolific composer, and his works include both sacred and secular music. His sacred music includes masses, motets, and hymns, while his secular music includes zarzuelas (Spanish operettas) and tonadillas (short songs with a popular flavor). One of Torres' most famous works is his Missa Salve Regina, a mass for four voices and orchestra. This mass is notable for its use of the Salve Regina hymn as a cantus firmus (a pre-existing melody used as the basis for a new composition). The mass was first performed in 1708 and was later published in 1715. Another notable work by Torres is his zarzuela La Parténope, which was first performed in 1708. This zarzuela tells the story of the Greek mythological figure Partenope, who was the queen of Naples. The music is lively and colorful, with a mix of recitatives, arias, and ensemble numbers. Torres' tonadillas are also noteworthy. These short songs were popular in Spain during the 18th century and were often performed in theaters and cafes. Torres' tonadillas are characterized by their catchy melodies and humorous lyrics. One of his most famous tonadillas is "La Petenera," which tells the story of a woman who is courted by a soldier, a sailor, and a bullfighter. In addition to his compositions, Torres was also known for his skill as an organist. He was often called upon to perform at the Royal Chapel's services and ceremonies, and his playing was highly praised by his contemporaries. Despite his success as a composer and musician, Torres' personal life was marked by tragedy. He was married twice, but both of his wives died young. He also lost several of his children to illness. Torres died in Madrid on July 18, 1738, at the age of 68. He was buried in the Royal Chapel, where he had spent most of his career. Today, he is remembered as one of the most important composers of the Spanish Baroque period, and his music continues to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world.

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