Francesco Soto de Langa facts for kids

Francisco Soto de Langa (born in Langa de Duero, Spain, in 1534 – died in Rome, Italy, in 1619) was a talented singer, editor, and composer. He was known for his work with laudi, which were special religious songs. Francisco was also a priest in a religious group called the Congregation of the Oratory. There, he worked closely with Saint Fillippo Neri and another composer named Giovanni Animuccia.

Francisco Soto de Langa was a singer in the Pope's choir in Rome from 1562 until he retired in 1611. He played an important part in making sure the music of another composer, Juan Navarro, was saved and published after Navarro's death. Soto de Langa also created many laudi spirituali, which are religious songs. While many of these songs still exist today, it's hard to know for sure which ones were written by him. His music often featured strong, clear harmonies and balanced musical phrases.

Who Was Francisco Soto de Langa?

Francisco Soto de Langa was born in a town called Langa de Duero in Spain in 1534. He grew up to become a very important person in the world of music and religion. He was not only a singer but also someone who helped publish music and create his own songs.

His Life in Rome

Francisco moved to Rome, Italy, which was a major center for music and the church. In 1562, he joined the papal choir. This was a special group of singers who performed for the Pope. He sang in this choir for many years, until he retired in 1611. This shows he was a very respected and skilled musician.

What is a Lauda?

A lauda (plural: laudi) is a type of religious song. These songs were often sung outside of formal church services. They were popular in Italy, especially during the Renaissance period. Laudi were a way for people to express their faith through music in a simpler, more direct way. Francisco Soto de Langa was known for writing and working with these kinds of songs.

Saving Music for the Future

One of Francisco Soto de Langa's important jobs was helping to save the music of other composers. After the composer Juan Navarro died, Francisco helped to publish Navarro's collection of psalms, hymns, and other religious songs. This was very important because it meant Navarro's beautiful music would not be lost and could be enjoyed by future generations.

Recordings

• Nuove Laudi Ariose della Beatissima Vergine - This is a recording of some of the songs, released in 2001 by Tactus. It was performed by Progetto Musica and led by Giulio Monaco.

See also

In Spanish: Francisco Soto de Langa para niños