António Marques was born in Lisbon in 1639. Lésbio is merely an academic title referring to the Greek island of Lesbos associated with the origin of lyric poetry.

He wrote his first villancicos in 1660 and subsequently held several positions including teaching the choirboys of the Royal Chapel (in 1669), scribe of the Accounts (in 1680), librarian of the grand Royal Library of Music (in 1692) and finally master of the Royal Chapel (appointed on January 15, 1698, succeeding Filipe da Madre de Deus).

He achieved great recognition from his contemporaries, becoming an active member of the Academia dos Singulares. He was also highly esteemed by King Pedro II of Portugal, his second wife, Maria Sofia Isabel of Neuburg, and Catherine of Braganza. He died in Lisbon on November 27, 1709, the eve of the feast of Saint Cecilia, patron saint of musicians.

He wrote and composed sacred and secular music in Latin, Spanish, and Portuguese.…