(b c 1576; d Segovia, c 31 Oct 1654). Spanish composer and theorist. He held appointments in Seville before becoming organist at the cathedrals of Jaén (1636-40) and Segovia (1640-53). His publication Libro de tientos ... Facultad organica (1626), which combines organ music with a theoretical treatise, shows his importance in establishing the Baroque style in Spain. The compositions are arranged in order of difficulty and illustrate points made in the treatise on tablature, fingering, key signatures and ornaments; rhythmic complexities abound in the later pieces. 62 of the 69 compositions in the Facultad organica are tientos.




