ENCINA, JUAN DEL 29 ), often called the founder of the Spanish drama. His eglogas mark the transition from the purely ecclesiastical to the secular stage. The most characteristic are the Auto del Repelon, the Egloga de Fileno and Pldcida y Vitoriano. Their intrinsic interest is slight, but they are historically important, for the lay pieces form a new depar ture, and the devout eclogues prepare the way for the autos of the 17th century. Encina's Cancionero (1496) contains also lyrical poems remarkable for their intense sincerity and devout grace.
See R. Mitjana, Sobre Juan del Encina, musico y poeta (Malaga, 1895).