Miguel Antonino Osanz

Miguel Antonino Osanz (born in Botaya, Huesca, 1760; died in Soria, 1825) was a Spanish composer associated almost exclusively with Soria Cathedral, where he spent his entire musical career. His significance lies chiefly as a testimony to the musical life of a Castilian cathedral at the beginning of the nineteenth century.

After a stay at the monastery of San Juan de la Peña, near Jaca, he arrived in Soria in 1781. That same year he was appointed maestro de capilla of the cathedral, a post he held until his death in 1825. Over those years the chapel gradually lost personnel, which affected the voices and instruments available at any given time and, consequently, the scoring of his compositions.

Some 168 works by him survive, to which 13 others are attributed. All were written for the Soria cathedral, and their manuscripts are held there. His style relies on homophony and the vocal embellishments typical of his era, although he uses counterpoint in the most solemn pieces.

His output includes twenty-four masses, two requiems, numerous psalms, twenty villancicos and eleven lamentations, as well as instrumental works such as a concerto for flute, violins, horns and bass. His legacy makes it possible to study the religious and musical practice of Spain in his time through a single, specific institution.