Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1615

Death

:

1673

Genre

:

Choral

 

Francisco López Capillas was a prominent Mexican composer of the Baroque era. He was born in Mexico City in 1614, and his family was deeply involved in music. His father, Juan Capillas, was a musician and composer, and his mother, Ana López, was a singer. Francisco grew up in a musical environment and showed an early talent for music. Francisco López Capillas received his musical education at the Cathedral of Mexico City, where he was a choirboy. He studied under the tutelage of the renowned composer and organist Juan Gutiérrez de Padilla, who was the maestro de capilla (music director) of the cathedral. López Capillas learned the art of composition, counterpoint, and harmony from Padilla, and he quickly became one of his star pupils. In 1639, López Capillas was appointed as the assistant maestro de capilla of the Cathedral of Mexico City, under Padilla. He worked closely with Padilla for many years, and together they created some of the most beautiful and complex music of the Baroque era. López Capillas was a prolific composer, and he wrote many works for the cathedral, including masses, motets, hymns, and villancicos (Christmas carols). One of López Capillas' most famous works is his Missa Ego flos campi, which is a setting of the Ordinary of the Mass. This work is considered to be one of the finest examples of Baroque choral music in the New World. The Missa Ego flos campi is a complex and intricate work, with multiple vocal parts and intricate harmonies. It is a testament to López Capillas' skill as a composer and his deep understanding of the art of choral music. Another notable work by López Capillas is his villancico "A la xácara, xacarilla," which is a lively and joyful Christmas carol. This work is a perfect example of López Capillas' ability to create music that is both complex and accessible. The villancico is full of energy and excitement, and it is a favorite of choirs and audiences alike. López Capillas' music was highly regarded during his lifetime, and he was recognized as one of the leading composers of the New World. His works were performed not only in Mexico but also in Spain and other parts of Europe. López Capillas' music was also influential in the development of Baroque music in the New World, and his legacy can be seen in the works of later composers such as Manuel de Zumaya and Ignacio Jerusalem. In addition to his work as a composer, López Capillas was also a respected music teacher. He taught many students, including his own son, Juan de López Capillas, who went on to become a prominent composer in his own right. López Capillas' influence on the development of music in the New World cannot be overstated, and his legacy continues to be felt today. Francisco López Capillas died in Mexico City in 1673, at the age of 59. He left behind a rich legacy of music that continues to be performed and appreciated today. López Capillas' music is a testament to the beauty and complexity of Baroque choral music, and his contributions to the development of music in the New World are immeasurable.

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