Juan García de Zéspedes

Who was Juan García de Zéspedes?

Juan García de Zéspedes was a Mexican composer, singer, viol player, and teacher.

He is thought to have been born in Puebla, Mexico. As a boy he was a soprano in the choir at Puebla Cathedral in 1630 under Juan Gutiérrez de Padilla. In 1664 he succeeded maestro Gutiérrez in an interim capacity. The title maestro became permanent in 1670. Although censured by the cathedral chapter more than once over disagreements as to his duties, he had a long career ended by his paralysis late in life. He died in Puebla.

His musical compositions ranged from sacred pieces to secular pieces inspired by folk music.