Manuel Cardoso

Manuel Cardoso (* December 1566 in fronteira no Alemtejo, † November 24, 1650 in Lisbon ) was a Portuguese singer, organist, choirmaster and composer.

He received his musical training at the seminary in Évora and initially worked then as choirmaster of the local cathedral. 1589 he joined the Carmelite Order. He enjoyed an excellent reputation as a musician and was therefore summoned to the restoration of Portuguese independence in 1640 at the instigation of the king to the sub-prior and music director of the Carmelite monastery in the capital Lisbon.

He created essentially sacred vocal music, including masses and motets and is still one of the most important Portuguese organist and composer of his time.