Josep Gallés i Salabert facts for kids

Josep Gallés i Salabert (born in Castellterçol in 1758 – died in Vic in 1836) was a talented Catalan composer and organist. He is most famous for his 23 sonatas, which are pieces of music written for keyboard instruments. We don't know a lot about his life, but what we do know shows he was a very important musician of his time.

As a young boy, Josep learned his first music lessons from the organist at his local church. When he was 16 years old, in 1774, he traveled to Barcelona. There, he studied music with famous teachers like Ramon Sunyer, Joan Vila, and Anton Mestre.

Becoming a Master Organist

In 1777, when Josep Gallés was just 19, he took a big test. He passed with flying colors and won a special job: the organist at Vic Cathedral. This was a very important position, and he kept it for the rest of his life.

Even though he worked in a cathedral, Josep was never ordained as a priest. He held the rank of Deacon, which is a church official who helps the priests.

Later in his life, another musician named Bernat Calvó Puig i Capdevila (who lived from 1818 to 1880) became Josep's student. This shows how respected Josep Gallés was as a teacher and composer.

Lost Music and Legacy

Sadly, many of Josep Gallés's musical works were lost. In 1936, a fire at Vic Cathedral destroyed most of his written music. This means we can't enjoy all the beautiful pieces he created.

Josep Gallés passed away in Vic on December 24, 1836. He was 78 years old. Even though many of his works are gone, his 23 keyboard sonatas remain a key part of his legacy. They show his skill as a composer and his importance in Catalan music history.

See also

In Spanish: Josep Gallés para niños