Ríos, Alvaro de los

(d Madrid, June 23, 1623). Spanish composer and musician. On 10 February 1607 he entered the service of Queen Margarita, wife of Felipe III as a músico de cámara – a title synonymous with cantor, a singer who accompanied himself on an instrument (nearly always a guitar). In Ríos's case, however, there is evidence only of his work as a composer. On the death of Queen Margarita in 1611 he remained in the post, serving the prince (the future King Felipe IV) and his younger siblings. In 1616 Princess Elisabeth de Bourbon arrived in Madrid, and Ríos was taken on by her, again as a chamber...

(d Madrid, June 23, 1623). Spanish composer and musician. On 10 February 1607 he entered the service of Queen Margarita, wife of Felipe III as a músico de cámara – a title synonymous with cantor, a singer who accompanied himself on an instrument (nearly always a guitar). In Ríos's case, however, there is evidence only of his work as a composer. On the death of Queen Margarita in 1611 he remained in the post, serving the prince (the future King Felipe IV) and his younger siblings. In 1616 Princess Elisabeth de Bourbon arrived in Madrid, and Ríos was taken on by her, again as a chamber musician, continuing in her service after 1621 (when her husband Felipe IV succeeded to the throne) until his death. He was praised by the court poet Antonio Hurtado de Mendoza and by Tirso de Molina, who paid tribute to him and Juan Blas de Castro as the composers of the music for his comedy ...