Enríquez de Valderrábano

The only reference to Valderrabano's service is to Francisco de Zuniga the fourth Count of Miranda. The legacy he left remains tied to his "Libro de musica de vihuela, intitulado Silva de sirenas." These seven books included solo music for vihuela and music for vihuela and voice. Some pieces were imitative in nature while others were fugal. Arrangements for vocal pieces have the textual notes scored in red and include works by Josquin, Gombert and Verdolet. Other works were intabulated for two vihuelas, and fantasias -- nineteen of which were composed by Valderrabano -- borrow from other composers. Works for the solo vihuela are also included in the "Silva" and a number of dance forms set in variations are also present. Music from the "Silva" was contained in a number of anthologies illustrating the import with which it was received. ~ Keith Johnson