Auto de la Pasión

work by Fernández

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June 18, 2026

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The Auto de la Pasión is an Easter play written by Lucas Fernández, a Spanish dramatist and musician. Fernández was also a professor of music at the University of Salamanca. His plays are characterized by effective dialogue, simple humor, and the skillful integration of songs and music. The Auto de la Pasión is considered his best work.1

The term "auto sacramental" refers to a Spanish dramatic genre that flourished in the 17th century, with Pedro Calderón de la Barca being a prominent playwright. These were short, allegorical plays performed outdoors during Corpus Christi celebrations, focusing on aspects of the Holy Eucharist. While the Auto de la Pasión by Fernández shares the "auto" designation, it is specifically an Easter play, distinct from the later Corpus Christi autos sacramentales.21

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Lucas Fernández
His best work is the Auto de la Pasión, an Easter play. His Diálogo para cantar (1514; “Dialogue for Singing”) is the first example of a rudimentary zarzuela, the distinctively Spanish musical play.
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His best work is the Auto de la Pasión, an Easter play. His Diálogo para cantar (1514; “Dialogue for Singing”) is the first example of a rudimentary zarzuela, the distinctively Spanish musical play.
Read More