Cristóbal de Morales

Spanish composer Cristóbal de Morales (ca. 1500-1553) was a leading light of the Spanish renaissance and the first Spanish composer to enjoy an international reputation. Born in Seville, Morales served at Avila Cathedral from 1526 to 1531, when he was fired for overstaying a leave of absence. By 1535, Morales was in Rome, singing at the Vatican. Resigning in 1545, Morales returned to Spain, holding a variety of unsatisfactory positions until his death. Morales left behind 22 masses, over 100 motets, 18 Magnificats, and other works; Morales was among the first Western composers to be heard in the New World.