Francisco López Capillas

Francisco López Capillas (1608–1674) was a Mexican composer born in Mexico City. He was born Francisco López, the son of Bartolome López, potentially a royal notary, and María de la Trinidad. He was admitted into the Mexico City Cathedral choir in 1625, where he studied under Antonio Rodriguez Mata. In 1643, López was appointed the assistant organist and dulcian player in the Puebla Cathedral, but left Puebla in 1648 to seek other opportunities. His whereabouts for the next six years are unknown.

In March 1654, he presented a book of his compositions to the authorities of the Mexico City Cathedral. A month later, the chapel’s choirmaster, Fabián Ximeno, died. Four days later, López took over the role as choirmaster and principal organist. At this point he began signing his name as ‘López Capillas’ (‘López of the Chapels’). He held this position until 1668, when the duties of the organist were separated from the choirmaster. He then held the choirmaster position until his death in 1674.He is regarded as the first notable composer born in America and the colonies of New Spain. He composed several Baroque masses, motets, and magnificats.

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