Francisco Salinas (1513-1590) was a prominent musician and music theorist of the Spanish Renaissance. Born in Burgos, Salinas was noted both for his skill as an organist and for his significant contributions to the study and theory of music during his time.
Despite being blinded in his youth due to smallpox, Salinas showed an extraordinary ability for music. He studied at the University of Salamanca, where he later became a music professor. During his studies, he also spent considerable time in Italy, which notably influenced his musical and academic development. In Italy, he studied with Giovanni Animuccia and possibly had contact with other important musicians of the time.
One of his most notable achievements was the publication of his work “De musica libri septem” (1577), a comprehensive treatise on music that ranged from musical theory to organ practice. This work was very influential, not only in Spain but also elsewhere in Europe, and is considered one of the most important works on music of the 16th century. In his treatise, Salinas explores music from a mathematical and philosophical perspective, examining the nature of sound and harmony, and providing a detailed analysis of the music of his time.
Francisco Salinas was highly respected by his contemporaries, including the Spanish philosopher and mystic Fray Luis de León, who praised him in his writings, and also corresponded with other scholars of his time.
Through his teaching and his publications, Francisco Salinas left a lasting legacy in the field of music theory and is remembered as one of the most important theorists of Renaissance music in Spain.
On the painting you can see him playing an organ. You can see this organ in the old cathedral.