6 Versos largos de 8° tono para la Nona de la Ascensión (Parts 1-3)

Francisco José Olivares (17 November 1778 - 2 September 1854) was a Spanish composer and organist who lived in the late eighteenth century and early nineteenth century. Throughout his musical career, he worked in Cuenca, Orihuela and Salamanca.

He was born in Rubielos Bajos, Cuenca, on November 17, 1778. At the age of 9, in 1788, he started to attend the Colegio San José de Infantes de Choir of the Cathedral of Cuenca, where he began his musical training. Pedro Aranaz was one of his teachers, and Olivares was one of his favorite students. He was also the student of the organist Juan Manuel del Barrio. His first two works date from 1794, being a Motet and a Mass.

On July 29, 1796, he obtained the position of 2nd organist in the Cathedral of Orihuela (Alicante) where he remained until 1803.

Olivares moved to Salamanca in 1803, when he obtained the appointment as the 1st organist and rector of the Colegio de Mozos de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción. In 1806, to improve the teaching of choir children in the cathedral, he asked Pedro Aranas's help to establish a nursery school in Salamanca, similar to the one in Cuenca.

Olivares spent the rest of his life linked to the Cathedral of Salamanca, although trying to achieve greater recognition. On October 7, 1825, he was appointed, upon request to the council, as the master of the chapel of the Cathedral of Segovia, but he did not accept the post. In 1830 he competed for the position of director and composer from the Royal Chapel of Madrid, but he was not selected. In 1839 he assumed part of the functions of the chapel master when Doyagüe could not fulfill them, due to his advanced age.

His work is mainly religious and vocal, including carols, psalms, motets, masses, lamentations etc., although he also composed secular songs.

The score is attached as well as some of the cathedrals associated with Olivares. There are no painting of him known.

Please see the FIRST COMMENT for notes and TIMINGS.

Parts 4-6 tomorrow.