Pere Rabassa: an innovator in Spanish religious music of the 18 th century

Abstract

We feel that it is interesting to discuss the works of Pere Rabassa, not only because they were previously unpublished but also because of the many innovatory features which, together with a comparative study of the works of contemporary composers, help us to achieve a better understanding of Spanish musical theory and practice in the 1 8th century. Among these innovatory features we should mention the presence of Italian forms at a fairly early date in Spanish religious music. These forms exported from Italy ali over Europe were beginning
to be adapted to Spanish taste through theatre music and «zarzuelas» throughout the second half of the 17th century and were given the names Recitado and Area, until they were finally heard in churches during the 18th century. Rabassa, who also wrote a treatise on composition, was responsible for introducing new and innovatory techniques and forms in those cathedrals where he held posts as musical Kapellmeister, notably in Vic, Valencia and Seville.