Un compositor olvidado en el Madrid de Carlos IV: José María de los Reyes Francesconi y Suffó

Abstract

This article is the first attempt at reconstructing the life and works of the composer José María de los Reyes Francesconi y Suffó, focusing on his Madrilenian period (1804-1809). Based on the study of documents held at the Biblioteca Nacional and works conserved at the Biblioteca Histórica Municipal, the traditional historiographical view of the composer is critically examined, providing important information about his personal life and professional career at the Court.The study of the reception of his works and the analysis of his musical style, particularly in his opera La Amalia, form the methodological strategies used to present a compendium of his stage music, in a context marked by the controversies concerning musical theatre in Madrid during the period. An annotated catalogue of Francesconi’s works located thus far is also included.