Juan Francés de Iribarren facts for kids

Juan Francés de Iribarren (born in Sangüesa in 1699, died in Málaga in 1767) was a Spanish composer. He lived during the late Baroque period, a time when music was often grand and dramatic.

About His Life

Juan Francés de Iribarren was born in Sangüesa, Spain. He was christened, which means he was officially welcomed into the church, on March 24, 1699.

Early Career

As a young boy, Juan was a choir singer in the capilla real, which was a royal chapel. His teacher was a famous musician named José de Torres.

In 1717, José de Torres suggested Juan for a job. Juan became the organist at the Old Cathedral of Salamanca. He worked there for 16 years, until 1733.

Working in Málaga

In 1733, Juan entered a competition. He wanted to become the maestro de capilla at the Cathedral of Malaga. A maestro de capilla was the main music director for a church. Juan came in second place.

However, the person who won, Manuel Martinez Delgado, sadly passed away. So, Juan was given the important job instead.

In 1741, Juan's salary was increased. This was to make sure he stayed in Málaga. They didn't want him to take a similar job at the Cathedral of Valladolid.

Juan stayed in Málaga for the rest of his career. He retired one year before he died. He is buried in the Málaga Cathedral.

His Music

Juan Francés de Iribarren wrote many pieces of music. Most of his works were for singers.

Vocal Works

He wrote 521 vocal works in Spanish. These included:

• 390 villancicos (a type of Spanish song, often for Christmas)
• 109 cantatas (pieces for one or more singers, usually with instruments)
• 22 arias (songs for a single voice, often from an opera or cantata)

He also created 385 vocal works in Latin. These included:

• 120 motets (choral pieces, usually religious)
• 69 psalms (songs based on texts from the Bible)
• 39 antiphons (short pieces sung before or after a psalm)
• 27 masses (musical settings of parts of a church service)
• 26 lamentations (songs expressing sorrow)
• 25 hymns (religious songs of praise)
• 21 misereres (a type of psalm)
• 19 magnificats (a song of praise to God)
• 14 sequentia (hymns sung in a church service)
• 6 responsories (pieces sung in response to a reading)
• 5 invitatorios (songs inviting people to worship)
• 5 nunc dimittis (a song of thanksgiving)
• 4 Oficios de difuntos (music for a funeral service)
• 3 lecciones (readings set to music)
• 1 Stabat Mater (a hymn about Mary's sorrow)
• 1 litany (a series of prayers)

Published Music

Some of his music has been published. One example is a collection of his Villancicos.

Recordings of His Music

Many of Juan Francés de Iribarren's works have been recorded. This allows people today to listen to his beautiful music.

• 1990 – Cantatas Barrocas Españolas del siglo XVIII by Elvira Padín and Miguel Ángel Tallante.
• 1994 – Quien Nos Dira de Una Flor. Viendo Que Jil, Hizo Raya on the album Barroco español. Vol.1. This was performed by Al Ayre Español.
• 2005 – Villancicos y Cantadas by El Mundo and Richard Savino.
• 2007 – Iribarren: Salmos, villancicos y cantadas by Nova Lux Ensemble.
• 2008 – Serpiente Venenosa by Orquesta Barroca de Sevilla and Coro Barroco de Andalucía.
• 2009 – Arde el furor intrépido by Orquesta Barroca de Sevilla.

See also

In Spanish: Juan Francés de Iribarren para niños