“En este lugar vivi\u00f3…” This phrase marks the Jos\u00e9 de Nebra Plaque. It tells us that the composer Jos\u00e9 de Nebra lived and died here. Jos\u00e9 de Nebra was a leading figure in Spanish Baroque opera. This plaque commemorates his life and work.
Jos\u00e9 de Nebra was born in Calatayud in 1702. He died in Madrid in 1768. Nebra’s music blends Spanish tradition and Italian style. His father was Jos\u00e9 Antonio Nebra Mezquita. His father taught music and was an organist. Two of Jos\u00e9’s brothers were also musicians.
Imagine Madrid in the 1700s. The sounds of Nebra’s operas fill the theaters. His zarzuelas delighted audiences. Nebra composed operas such as “Venus y Adonis.” He also created zarzuelas like “Viento es la dicha de Amor.”
Nebra’s talent wasn’t limited to the stage. He wrote sacred works too. These include masses, psalms, and a Requiem for Queen Barbara of Braganza. Over 170 of Nebra’s works survive.
For years Nebra was under house arrest. Letters seized from the Marquis implicated him. The Marquis plotted to put Ferdinand VI on the throne. Philip V was the current king. Despite this, Nebra’s musical output remained impressive.
Think of the performances of his works today. The 250th anniversary of his death in 2018 brought renewed interest. His opera “Venus y Adonis” was scheduled for performance in 2019.
Nebra served as an organist at the Monastery of the Royal Barefoot Nuns in Madrid. He later became the second organist of the Royal Chapel. After a brief removal, he became supernumerary.
In 1751, Nebra became vice-master of the Royal Chapel. He also taught harpsichord to the infante Don Gabriel. After a fire destroyed the Royal Chapel’s music collection, Nebra helped rebuild it.
Nebra’s life was seemingly quiet and religious. He was known to have a good relationship with Domenico Scarlatti. Nebra even wrote the prologue to Antonio Soler’s treatise on modulation.
Look at this Jos\u00e9 de Nebra Plaque. Remember the composer who lived here. He enriched Spanish culture. His music continues to inspire. Let’s carry his legacy forward.