Gaspar Fernandes was a Portuguese-born composer and organist who made his mark in the New World during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Born in Portugal around 1566, he eventually found his way to Guatemala and later Mexico, where he became a big deal in the world of colonial Latin American music.

Fernandes spent most of his career as the chapel master at Puebla Cathedral in Mexico, a pretty sweet gig that he held from 1606 until his death in 1629. He's best known for his villancicos, which are these cool Spanish-language songs that blend European and Native American musical styles. His work is a fascinating mix of Old World and New World sounds, making him a key figure in the development of Latin American baroque music.

Genres

Latin American Baroque

Mexican Classical

Portuguese Early Music

Latest Release

Andrés ¿Do queda el ganado? (Live)

Gaspar Fernandes•

The Newberry Consort

Single - Released November 5, 2021