Enríquez de Valderrábano facts for kids
Enríquez de Valderrábano was a Spanish musician and composer. He lived around the 1500s. He played the vihuela, an old string instrument like a guitar. Not much is known about his life. But his important music book, Libro de música de vihuela intitulado Silva de Sirenas, tells us a few things. It was published in Valladolid, Spain, in 1547. The book says he was from Peñaranda de Duero. He dedicated his book to Francisco de Zúñiga, a count. Some people think Valderrábano worked for this count.
Contents
His Music Book
Valderrábano's music book, Silva de Sirenas, is very special. It has seven parts. These parts contain different types of musical pieces. They are arranged from easy to difficult.
Types of Music in the Book
The book includes many kinds of songs and instrumental pieces. Some of these are:
- Fugas and Contrapuntos: These are complex pieces where different musical lines weave together.
- Sonetos and Proverbios: These are likely musical settings of poems or sayings.
- Bajas and Vacas: These might be variations on popular tunes of the time.
- Discantes and Pavanas: A discant is a melody sung above another. A pavane is a slow, stately dance.
- Canciones, Romances, and Villancicos: These are different types of songs. Villancicos were popular Spanish songs.
Instruments Used
Valderrábano's book has music for different groups of instruments. Some pieces are for two vihuelas. Others are for one vihuela and another instrument. There are also pieces for vihuela and a singer. This shows how versatile the vihuela was.
Why His Book is Important
Valderrábano's book is a key source for understanding music from the Spanish Renaissance. This was a time of great art and culture in Spain, in the 1500s. The book also helps us learn about European instrumental music in general.
Other Composers in His Book
Silva de Sirenas includes music by other famous composers of that time. Valderrábano copied their pieces for the vihuela. This helps us study their music today. Some of these composers are:
- Cristóbal de Morales
- Josquin des Prez
- Nicolas Gombert
- Philippe Verdelot
- Adrian Willaert
- Vincenzo Ruffo
- Diego Ortiz
- Juan Vásquez
- Jean Mouton
These composers were important figures in Renaissance music. Valderrábano's book helps keep their music alive.
See also
In Spanish: Enríquez de Valderrábano para niños
