Guerrero, Francisco (1528-1599)

Spanish composer. He published a large number of works, both religious and secular, and earned himself a reputation in Spain second only to that of Tomás de Victoria as a composer of church music in the 16th century. His works include Masses, requiems, motets, psalms, and Passions in a flowing polyphonic style; they were much admired for their complex canonic devices and remained in use long after his death, especially in South America.

He studied under his brother Pedro Guerrero and Fernández de Castilleja at Seville Cathedral, where he was a chorister 1542-46; he also had some lessons from Cristobál de Morales as a child. In 1546 he was appointed maestro de capilla at the Cathedral of Jaén, and after the death of Morales to that of Málaga, though he never lived there, but filled posts at Seville Cathedral from 1549 until he succeeded Castilleja as maestro de capilla in March 1574. He visited Lisbon, Rome (twice), Venice, and in 1588 went to the Holy Land. Many of his works were published in France and Italy.

Works 18 Masses, about 150 liturgical pieces, including motets, psalms, vespers, Magnificats, Te Deum; sacred and secular songs.