Juan Bermudo facts for kids
Juan Bermudo was a Spanish friar, born around 1510 in Écija, Spain. He was famous as a composer (someone who writes music), a music theorist (someone who studies how music works), and a mathematician. He passed away around 1565.
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Life of Juan Bermudo
Juan Bermudo joined the Franciscan Order (a group of religious people called friars) in 1525. He was part of the Franciscans in Andalusia, a region in Spain.
Later, he went to study at the University of Alcalá. He lived at a special college there for friars who were students. After his studies, he spent his time teaching and preaching to people in that area.
Other friars respected him a lot. In 1560, they chose him to be a "Definitor" for their province. This was an important role, showing he was a leader among them.
Later, Juan Bermudo became very ill for a long time. Because of his illness, he had to stop preaching. While he was recovering, he started reading many old writings about music theory. This helped him develop his natural talent for music.
Juan Bermudo as a Musician
Juan Bermudo's first book from his studies was Libro primero de la Declaración de instrumentos (which means First Book on the Explanation of Instruments). It was published in 1549 and dedicated to King John III of Portugal. The next year, he published Comiença el Arte Tripharia.
In his 1555 book, Declaración de instrumentos musicales (also known as Perfecting the perfect instrument), he wrote about playing the vihuela. The vihuela was a stringed instrument, similar to a guitar. Bermudo mentioned that important musicians like Bernardino de Figueroa and Cristóbal de Morales had checked and approved his book.
Works by Juan Bermudo
Treatises (books explaining musical ideas):
- 1549 Libro primero de la Declaración de instrumentos musicales.
- 1550 Arte Tripharia.
- 1555 Declaración de instrumentos musicales. (5 volumes)
Music for vihuela:
- Mira nera de Tarpeya.
Organ works:
- Conditor alme siderum, Ave maris stella, Vexilla regis prodeunt a 5.
Images for kids
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The title page of Juan Bermudo's Declaración de instrumentos musicales.
See also
In Spanish: Juan Bermudo para niños
