While most late fifteenth century Italian courts fought to employ the best singers from the Low Countries for their musical chapels, the ascendant courts of the Spanish peninsula also produced a number of world-class musicians. Francisco de la Torre was a Spanish native, but he sought his musical fortune in Italy, beginning a lengthy period of service to the Aragonese court of the Kingdom of Naples in July 1483; his whereabouts before that time are unknown. De la Torre spent some 17 years making music for the court and the churches of Naples, earning a healthy salary and extra benefice income starting in 1488. In the year 1500, de la Torre retired back to Spain, accepting a priestly position in the Cathedral of Seville that could have been his hometown. He resumed musical employment in 1503 by taking on the responsibility of teaching the cathedral's many choirboys, but he gave up the extra duties in 1504. Unfortunately, 1504 is the last year for which we have any notice of the Cathedral Succentor. His surviving music includes Spanish villancios, both sacred and secular; a well-known courtly instrumental dance tune; and a set of passionate funeral music.