[1] His compositions focused chiefly on vocal music, and are a fine representation of the late Baroque style.
Although heavily influenced by French and Italian works of the period, his music is considered to incorporate an original Latin American component.
He also studied theology and canon law and was ordained a priest in Santiago de Cuba in 1790.
Interest in his works was revived during the twentieth century following the rediscovery of many of his scores during the 1940s by the Cuban novelist and musicologist, Alejo Carpentier.
[citation needed] The music conservatory in Santiago de Cuba is named in his honor.