Francisco Guerau facts for kids
Francisco Guerau (born in 1649, died in 1722) was a talented Spanish composer from the Baroque period. He was born on the island of Majorca. Guerau became famous for his beautiful music written for the baroque guitar.
Who Was Francisco Guerau?
Francisco Guerau was born in 1649 on the island of Majorca, which is part of Spain. When he was about 10 years old, in 1659, he moved to Madrid. There, he joined a special singing school at the Royal College. This school was a place where young musicians learned to sing and compose.
His Life at the Royal Court
Guerau was a very skilled musician. By 1669, ten years after joining the school, he became an alto singer and composer for the Royal Chapel. This was a very important position, as he performed for the King of Spain.
Later, in 1693, King Charles II of Spain made him a member of his Royal Chamber. This meant Guerau was part of the King's personal musical staff. He also taught at the singing school until 1701, sharing his knowledge with new students.
His Famous Music
Francisco Guerau is best known for a collection of music called Poema harmónico. This book was published in 1694. It contains many pieces written specifically for the baroque guitar. The baroque guitar was a popular instrument during Guerau's time, similar to today's guitar but with different strings and tuning. His music helped show how beautiful and complex the baroque guitar could sound.