Antonio de Cabezón and the European instrumental music in the 16th and 17th century

Abstract

More than 30 years after the scholarly work of Macario Santiago Kastner (1977) we can retry to discuss the question of Cabezón’s importance within european instrumental music. Reading the historical documents in their original context a reassessment in many cases is possible concerning the so-called influence of Cabezón on other composers in Europe. It seems noteworthy, that Cabezón’s memoria remained alive through the 17th century also. Furthermore, this essay presents a hitherto unknown source. The printed report on the wedding of the Spanish king Carlos II (ʻel hechizadoʼ) Marie-Louise d’Orleans in 1679 mentions instrumental music of Cabezón for a theater performance. Although this report in large parts is freely invented, it shows the great importance of Cabezón more than hundred years after his death.