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Artist
Francisco Guerrero
12+ albums
contemporary classicalrenaissanceClassicalspanishearly music
about
There are two Spanish composers with the name Francisco Guerrero, one from the Renaissance (1528-1599), and another from the twentieth century (1951 - 1997). The first bio is for the Renaissance composer, and the second one is for the twentieth century one. Francisco Guerrero (October 4 (?), 1528– November 8, 1599) Francisco Guerrero was a Spanish composer of the Renaissance. He was born and died in Seville. Guerrero's early musical education was with his older brother Pedro. He must have been an astonishing prodigy, for at the age of 17 he was already appointed maestro de capilla (singing master, i.e. music director) at Jaen Cathedral. A few years later he accepted a position in Seville. Apparently during this time he was much in demand as a singer and composer, establishing an exceptional reputation before his thirtieth birthday; in addition he published several collections of his music abroad, an unusual event for a young composer. After several decades of working and traveling throughout Spain and Portugal, sometimes in the employ of emperor Maximilian II, he went to Italy for a year (1581-1582) where he published two books of his music. After returning to Spain for several years, he decided to travel to the Holy Land, which he finally was able to do in 1589. His adventure included visits to Damascus, Bethlehem, and Jerusalem; on the return trip his ship was twice attacked by pirates, who threatened his life, stole his money, and held him for ransom. His ransom must ha
