Diego Ortiz

Colombian Fusion Music Artist

Diego Ortiz was a Spanish composer and music theorist of the Renaissance era. Not much is known about his early life, but he is remembered primarily for his work "Tratado de Glosas" (Treatise on Ornamentation), published in Rome in 1553. This influential work provides valuable insight into the performance practice of the time, particularly regarding the ornamentation and improvisation of both vocal and instrumental music. Ortiz's treatise includes a series of "recercadas," which are variations over a repeated chord progression or ground bass, and these compositions are among the earliest examples of this form. His contributions to the development of instrumental music were significant, particularly for the viola da gamba, an instrument that was very popular during the Renaissance period. While specific albums such as "La Folia (1490-1701)" or "Recreatione Spirituale (Ragionamenti In Musica In Baroque Rome)" may not be directly attributed to him, Ortiz's work has inspired countless musicians and has been featured in various recordings that explore early music repertoire.