Franciszek Lilius

Franciszek ( Francis ) Lilius (* 1600, † 1657 in Tarnów ) was a Polish composer.

Originally called the family Gigli and came from Italy. The father Wincenty Lilius came as a court musician over Graz and Krakow to Warsaw.

Franciszek Lilius received his musical education in the court orchestra of Sigismund III. Wasa. In Rome in 1625 he continued his studies, during which time he lived in the house of Girolamo Frescobaldi. Lilius was one of the important Polish composers of the 17th century. His music is influenced by the forces acting in the court chapel of King Sigismund Italians, like Marco Scacchi Tarquinio Merula or. 1630 he was Kapellmeister at the Cathedral of Krakow, a position he held until his death. His students included Marcin Mielczewski.

Works (selection)

Among the approximately 20 traditional a cappella works that have been handed down in part in print or manuscript, include:

• Missa brevissima
• Missa tempore Paschali
• Surrexit Christ Hodie, motet
• Muteta super Nicolai solemnia
• Jubilate Deo omnia terra