Ismael Fernández de la Cuesta facts for kids
Ismael Fernández de la Cuesta (born in 1939) is a Spanish musician and expert in old church music called Gregorian chant. He is known for his beautiful singing and for studying music history.
He was born in a village called Neila in Burgos, Spain. When he was young, he joined the Abbey of Santo Domingo de Silos, which is a monastery. After studying in France for a while, he returned to the abbey. From 1962 to 1973, he was in charge of the abbey's choir. Later, he left the monastic life. He then became a teacher at the Madrid Royal Conservatory, where he taught Gregorian chant until he retired.
Music Recordings
Ismael Fernández de la Cuesta has made many recordings of Gregorian chant. One of his most famous works is the album Chant. This album, released in 1994, became a best-selling classical music record. It features the monks from the Santo Domingo de Silos abbey singing.
In 1970, he also led performances of Mozarabic chant with the Santo Domingo de Silos choir. While the monks usually sing Gregorian chant, the Mozarabic rite is a different ancient church music style that is still sometimes used in Spain today.
Awards and Recognition
He has received an important award called the Civil Order of Alfonso X, the Wise. This award recognizes people who have done great things in education, science, culture, or research.
See also
In Spanish: Ismael Fernández de la Cuesta para niños
- Chant (Benedictine Monks of Santo Domingo de Silos album)
