Juan Hidalgo de Polanco

Full biography Juan Hidalgo de Polanco

Juan Hidalgo de Polanco (28 September 1614 – 31 March 1685) was a prominent Spanish composer and harpist , who is widely regarded as one of the most influential composers of his time in the Hispanic world. He wrote music for various genres including secular and religious vocal works and instrumental pieces.

One of Hidalgo's most famous compositions is "El laurel de Apolo" with the text by the famous Spanish playwright , Calderón de la Barca. This work is considered to be one of the earliest notable examples of lyrical theater compositions in Spain.

Hidalgo was attached to the Spanish court from the 1660s until his death, and he worked as a harpist and composer for the king and queen. He was recognized as a master of the harp and the cembalo, and he was often commissioned to create new works for various events and celebrations.

Hidalgo's influence on Spanish music is significant, and many later composers were inspired by his works. Some of his notable successors include Tomás de Torrejón y Velasco, Sebastián Durón, and Antonio de Literes.

Today, Hidalgo is recognized as one of the leading composers of the Spanish Baroque era. His legacy is celebrated in various ways, including concerts, productions, and scholarly research on his works and style.