Griffiths, John.

This book adopts the figure of Felipe II as an emblem to present a group of studies that explore the diversity of Spanish music in second half of the sixteenth century. Fifteen specialists from four continents explore repertoires, customs, practices, and other manifestations of the musical culture of the time of the Prudent King. Their contributions great amplify the traditional vision of the Spanish music of the Renaissance. They complement and expand upon the classic studies with works that respond to the new tendencies in the historical disciplines and offer a broader perspective of music in the Spanish Renaissance society. The chapters dedicated directly to the surroundings of Felipe II explain the complex organization of the court, approach the contradictions that surround the relation by Felipe II with music, study his musical library, the musical education of his children, and the role of music in El Escorial and even the music performed on the galleons of the Armada. In the ecclesiastical sphere, the book analyses the figure of the teacher of chapel from a new optics, the role of plainsong in the age of polyphony, the function of minstrels in the church, as well as extending horizons to other religious institutions like female convents. The studies on instrumental music show the importance of the foreign organ builders in the creation of the Spanish instrument and examine diverse facets of the theory, practice and sociology of vihuelas and keyboard instruments. The last section of the book adds to the knowledge of national music a vision of the influence of Spanish music in Portugal, Naples and the American colonies during the period of territorial expansion of the empire of Felipe II.
Reviewed by K. Kreitner in Notes 62 (2006): 959-61.

Composer FUENLLANA, DAZA

Instrument VIHUELA

Century 16CENT

Region SPAIN

Medium

Music genre FANTASIA

Research field HISTORY, PATRONAGE, SOCIAL HISTORY, INSTRUMENTS, MUSIC, ANALYSIS, REPERTORY & STYLE