Diego Pisador (c. 1509/10 – after 1557)
Professional Profile: Renowned Spanish Vihuelist and Renaissance Composer.
Historical Significance: Author of the Libro de música de vihuela (1552), a monumental collection of 16th-century music.
🖋️ Family Dynamics and Inheritance
The life of Diego Pisador was marked by intense family conflict, much of which was centered around his musical ambitions and the family estate in Salamanca.
- The Inheritance Dispute (1550): Following the death of his mother, Isabel Ortiz, in September 1550, Diego inherited the “lion’s share” of the family fortune (specifically a portion known as the tercio y quinto). This significantly marginalized his younger brother, leading to a bitter and prolonged legal battle.
- Father’s Changing Allegiance: Initially, his father, Alonso Pisador, supported Diego. However, the relationship soured when Diego threatened to marry and abandon his long-term project: a comprehensive book on vihuela music.
- Exile from Salamanca: Upon his father’s return to Salamanca in 1551, the elder Pisador shifted his support to the younger brother. Diego was subsequently forced to leave the family home.
- Estrangement: Historical records confirm that Diego sold the family house in 1553. Documents from as late as 1557 indicate that father and son remained deeply estranged.
🎼 The “Bobería del Libro” (The Foolish Book)
Despite his father’s disdain for the project—famously dismissing it in a letter as a “bobería” (foolishness)—Diego persisted in his work.
- Publication (1552): Diego eventually published his masterpiece, Libro de música de vihuela, dedicating it to the future King Philip II.
- Content: The collection is divided into seven books containing 95 pieces (or 186, if individual mass sections are counted). It is a vital source for:
- Original Fantasias: Showcasing his skill in imitative counterpoint.
- Intabulations: Arrangements of vocal works by masters like Josquin des Prez, Adrian Willaert, and Cristóbal de Morales.
- Vocal Music: 58 of the pieces are set for voice and vihuela, reflecting the secular tastes of the Spanish Renaissance.
📚 Legacy and Research
End of the Record: No archival information regarding Diego Pisador exists after December 1557, leaving the final years of the “Gentil Caballero” a mystery to historians.
Self-Published Success: Diego oversaw the printing of his book himself in Salamanca, utilizing the technical assistance of the printer Guillermo Millis.