Sebastián de Vivanco (c. 1551-1622) was a noteworthy composer of the late Renaissance, belonging to the Spanish Golden Age, or Siglo de Oro, of polyphonic choral music. Vivanco, although less widely recognized than some of his contemporaries such as Tomás Luis de Victoria, was a significant figure in the rich musical scene of Renaissance Spain. He was born in Ávila and spent much of his career in Salamanca, where he held prestigious positions, including maestro de capilla at the New Cathedral and a professorship at the University of Salamanca.

Vivanco's contribution to sacred music is substantial, with his body of work encompassing a variety of liturgical compositions, including masses, motets, hymns, and Magnificats. Remarkably expressive and deeply reflective of the Counter-Reformation’s religious fervor, Vivanco's music blends the contrapuntal complexity of the Renaissance with a distinctive Spanish flavor. His pieces, such as those found in his collection "Motecta" published in 1610, display an adept control over melody and harmonic structure, successfully conveying the spiritual atmosphere of his time. Recent releases such as "CANTARA EL ALMA: Sebastián de Vivanco y la música sagrada en el Siglo de Oro" and "Sacred Treasures of Spain: Motets from the Golden Age of Spanish Polyphony" have helped to rejuvenate interest in his contributions to the Renaissance repertoire, ensuring that Vivanco's music continues to be appreciated for its beauty and emotional depth.

Genres

Renaissance

Spanish Renaissance

Latest Release

CANTARA EL ALMA: Sebastián de Vivanco y la música sagrada en el Siglo de Oro

Sebastián de Vivanco•

Schola Antiqua

Album - 22 Tracks - Released December 30, 2022