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The University High School Band
The History and Theory of Music

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina

1525 - 1594 AD

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina is widely considered the foremost composer of the sixteenth century, and his music represents the apotheosis of Renaissance polyphonic choral style.

Born in the town of Palestrina, which was part of the Papal States, he was a singer at the Santa Maria Maggiore basilica in Rome by 1537. In 1551, Pope Julius III made him music director at Saint Peter's Basilica. Palestrina held positions at various other prominent churches throughout Rome, including the Cathedral of St. John Lateran, and remained active in these positions until his death.

Palestrina was influenced by Guillaume du Fay and Josquin des Prez, but his output was more prolific than either. Among his hundreds of choral works, his masterful use of consonance and dissonance was highly influential on later composers. His best-known work is the Missa Papae Marcelli, written for Pope Marcellus II.

Compositions

Missa Papae Marcelli

Kyrie

Gloria

Credo

Sanctus

Agnus Dei