Francisco Javier García Fajer facts for kids

Francisco Javier García Fajer (born December 2, 1730, in Nalda, Logroño – died 1809, in Zaragoza) was a Spanish composer. He was known for his "galante" style of music, which was popular in Italy. He was often called El Españoleto, meaning "the little Spaniard."

Early Life and Musical Training

Francisco Javier García Fajer was born in a town called Nalda. He began his music studies at the choir school of Zaragoza Cathedral. This was a special school where young musicians learned to sing and compose.

Time in Italy

When he was a young man, García Fajer moved to Italy. Italy was a very important place for music at that time. From 1754 to 1756, he worked as a chapelmaster in a city called Terni. A chapelmaster was the leader of music in a church or for a noble family.

While in Italy, he earned the nickname Lo Spagnoletto. This means "the little Spaniard" in Italian. He kept this nickname even after he returned to Spain.

During the 1750s, music in Italy was changing. Composers were moving from the "galante" style to an "early classical" style. The "galante" style was light, elegant, and focused on clear melodies. Famous composers like Niccolò Jommelli and Giovanni Battista Pergolesi were part of this change.

Return to Spain and Later Career

In 1756, García Fajer returned to Spain. He became the maestro de capilla (music director) at La Seo Cathedral in Zaragoza. He held this important position until he died in 1809. His death happened during the French siege of Zaragoza.

He brought many Italian music ideas back with him. For example, he changed the traditional Spanish villancico (a type of song) to the Latin responsory. A responsory is a piece of music sung in church.

His Musical Legacy

For many years, García Fajer's music was not very popular in Spain. This was because he promoted the Italian style of music. However, in recent years, people have started to appreciate his work more. They now see him as an important "galante" composer.

In April 2007, a special meeting was held at the University of La Rioja in Spain. This meeting was dedicated to celebrating his music and improving his reputation.

Musical Works

García Fajer composed many different types of music:

• Operas - He wrote operas in Rome in 1754 and 1756.
• Pompeo magno in Armenia - This was an opera with words by Anastasio Guidi.
• Oratorios - These are large musical pieces for voices and orchestra, often based on religious stories. He wrote one called Tobias in 1752.
• Intermezzi - These were short, funny musical plays. Examples include La pupilla and La finta schiava.
• Masses - These are musical settings of parts of the church service.
• Psalms - These are musical settings of religious songs from the Bible.

Recordings of His Music

You can listen to some of García Fajer's music on these recordings:

• Oficio de Difuntos - This recording features his Latin psalm settings. It was performed by La Grande Chapelle and Schola Antiqua, directed by Albert Recasens.
• Latin settings of the Seven words on the cross - This includes pieces like Pater dimitte illis. The modern Catalan title is Les set paraules de Crist a la creu. This recording also features music by Joan Rossell and Melcior Juncà. Performers include Young Hee Kim (soprano) and Montserrat Pi (contralto), with the Orquestra de Cambra Catalana directed by Joan Pàmies.

See also

In Spanish: Francisco Javier García Fajer para niños