Manuel Rodrigues Coelho was a prominent Portuguese composer and organist from the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods, his life spanned from approximately 1555 to 1635. Although specific details about his early life and training remain somewhat obscure, it is known that he served as the organist at Lisbon Cathedral and later at the Chapel of Elvas. Coelho is best remembered for his notable contribution to the repertoire of keyboard music, particularly for the publication of his "Flores de Música" (Music Flowers) in 1620.

"Flores de Música para o instrumento de tecla & harpa" stands as one of the earliest and most significant collections of keyboard music from the Iberian Peninsula, showcasing a rich variety of styles that range from liturgical to secular, including tentos (a type of keyboard fantasia), versos, and dances. The collection is significant not only for its musical content but also for providing insights into keyboard performance practice of the time. Through works like "Segundo verso sobre Ave maris stella", "Quarto verso sobre Ave maris stella", and the various tentos, Coelho's mastery of counterpoint and his imaginative approach to composition are evident, offering a valuable window into the evolution of keyboard music in early modern Europe. His legacy is preserved through these compositions, which continue to be performed and recorded, bringing to life the rich musical heritage of the Iberian Baroque era.

Genres

Portuguese Early Music

Latest Release

Coelho: Flores de Musica pera o Instrumento de Tecla, & Harpa, Vol. 3

Manuel Rodrigues Coelho

Album - 8 Tracks - Released June 21, 2024