The Spanish composer Francisco Guerrero, in his time second only to Victoria among Spanish musicians, was taught first by his elder brother and then by Morales. From 1542 to 1546 he served as an alto at the cathedral of his native Seville, before appointment as maestro de capilla at Jaén Cathedral. Disciplined for neglect of his duties towards six choristers, for whom he was responsible, he eventually returned to Seville, where his subsequent career was based, finally, from 1574, as maestro de capilla at the cathedral. He was honoured by Charles V and Philip II and was able to travel widely, in particular to the Holy Land, a journey of which he left a description.

Vocal Music

Guerrero was a prolific composer, with 18 Mass settings and some 150 other liturgical works to his credit. He also wrote secular songs. His work shows a mastery of contemporary polyphonic practice and, in particular, of the technique of canon.