The Early Music Show - Antonio de Cabezon

Catherine Bott presents a profile of the 16th century Spanish composer Antonio de Cabezon. Blind from childhood, Cabezon quickly rose to prominence as a virtuoso organist, and entered the service of the Spanish Royal Family in 1538, where he remained for his entire career. From 1543, when Prince Felipe became Regent of Spain, Cabezon and his younger brother both accompanied the prince on his numerous journeys throughout Europe: Italy, Germany, The Netherlands and England. His work influenced many other major composers of the day - not least his countryman Tomas Luis de Victoria. Cabezon was among the most important composers of his time and arguably the first major Iberian keyboard composer.