José Castel

Who was José Castel?

José Castel was a Spanish composer.

José Castel was a church musician in his native Tudela and Aragon before moving to Madrid around 1760. There, in addition to his church duties, he was active as a theatrical composer, for the Teatro del Príncipe, as well as a printer and publisher. Castel was well paid for his music, for example he received 360 reales for the music for the comedy El Faetón.

In 1773 he moved back to Tudela, as maestro de capilla at the Colegiata de Santa Maria, yet he continued 1774-1782 to still be based in Madrid and spend more time on theatrical activities. In 1797, following the death of his wife, he was ordained a priest, dying on Sept. 2nd 1807 and being buried in Tudela Cathedral.

He was particularly regarded for his tonadillas.