Francisco de los Cobos, Narváez's most important patron, painted by JAN GOSSAERT in c. 1530
Luis de Narváez - Guardame las vacas
Hans Meijer - lute
The exact date or even year of Narváez's birth is unknown. He was born in Granada and the earliest surviving references to him indicate that as early as 1526 he was a member of the household of Francisco de los Cobos y Molina, a well-known and very successful patron of the arts who was the secretary of State and comendador for the kingdom of Castile under Charles V. Narváez lived in Valladolid with his patron until the latter's death in 1547. It was during this period that the composer published Los seys libros del delphín (Valladolid, 1538), a large collection of music.
By 1548 Narváez was employed as musician of the royal chapel, where he also taught music to choristers. His colleagues there included the famous keyboard composer Antonio de Cabezón. Narváez and Cabezón were both employed as musicians for Felipe, Regent of Spain (later Philip II of Spain), and accompanied him on his many journeys. The last reference to Narváez is from one such journey: during the winter of 1549 he resided in the Low Countries.
Narváez was very highly regarded during his lifetime, particularly for his vihuela playing; he was reported to be able to improvise four parts over another four at sight. His son Andrés also became an accomplished vihuelist.
Josquin/Luis de Narváez - Mille regres
Luis de Narváez - Guardame las vacas
Luis de Narváez - Fantasia - Sol Re Ut
Luis de Narváez - Fantasie
Luis de Narváez - Baxa de contapunto
Alonso Mudarra - Fantasia
