Alonso Mudarra

Alonso Mudarra (c. 1510 – April 1, 1580) was a Spanish composer of the Renaissance, and also played the vihuela, a guitar-shaped string instrument.

When he returned to Spain he became a priest, receiving the post of canon at the cathedral in Seville in 1546, where he remained for the rest of his life.

While at the cathedral, he directed all of the musical activities; many records remain of his musical activities there, which included hiring instrumentalists, buying and assembling a new organ, and working closely with composer Francisco Guerrero for various festivities.

Mudarra died in Seville, and his sizable fortune was distributed to the poor of the city according to his will.

The second book is noteworthy in that it contains eight multi-movement works, all arranged by "tono", or mode.