Born:
Uncertain, probably around 1525
Birthplace:
Palestrina, Italy
Died:
February 2, 1594 in Rome, Italy
Also known as:
He was known as one of the greatest composers of liturgical music, an influential composer of contrapuntal composition, the "Prince of Music," a savior of church music and was nicknamed Il Prenestino. He was also an organist, singer and teacher. In 1551, Palestrina became musical director of the Julian Chapel choir in Rome. He also served as music director of St. John Lateran, Sta. Maria Maggiore and the Villa d'Este in Tivoli. He served as master of music at the Vatican Basilica from 1578 until the time of his death.
Type of Compositions:
He wrote secular, liturgical and religious music.
Musical Work:
Among his compositions are at least 140 madrigals, 105 masses, 68 offertories, 45 hymns, psalms, 250 motets, 4 or 5 sets of lamentations, 33 magnificats and litanies. One of his considered masterpiece is called the Missa Papae Marcelli.
Interesting Facts:
It is believed that when Pierluigi was young, he peddled products from his parent's farm while singing. The choirmaster of Santa Maria Maggiore heard him singing on the streets of Rome and was impressed by the young boy's voice that he decided to train him musically. He became a choirboy and student at the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.