Antonio de Literes

This bass violist and bassist (for the royal choir and royal chapel respectively) in Madrid, was touted as the greatest composer of the Spanish court. His name was made at court from his zarzuelas "Accis y Galatea," "Jupiter y Danae," and "Los elementos." Because of his reputation Literes was commissioned by Lisbon Cathedral to compose an oratorio with orchestral accompaniment. He was also commissioned to compose an entirely new liturgy for the palace after a fire in 1734. Literes was a composer of particular distinction because of his capacity to write equally well for both secular and sacred settings. ~ Keith Johnson