Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina

Life of Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina

Period: Jan 1, 1525 to Feb 2, 1594

Birth of Giovanni

Jul 27, 1525

I was born in 1525 in the town of Palestrina, Italy at the foot of the Sabine mountains. Palestrina, Italy is named after me, Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina.

Appointed Organist and Maestro di Cappela

Jan 1, 1544

In the year 1544, I was appointed as organist and maestro di cappela at the Palestrina Cathedral in Italy. I served under the bishop of the cathedral, who later became Pope Julius III.

'Saving' Church Music from Destruction

Jan 1, 1545

From the years 1545 to 1563, I was thought to have 'saved' church music from destruction by the Council of Trent. The Council of Trent made an attempt to diminish the writing of church music to popular tunes, but failed.

Marriage

Jun 12, 1547

I married Lucrezia de Goris in the year 1547.

Elected at the Cappella Giulia

Jun 12, 1551

During the year 1551, I was elected Majester Cappellae and Magister Puerorum by Pope Julius III at the Cappella Giulia in Vaticano. Along with these titles, I recieved a salary and a house.

Service as Choirmaster

Jan 1, 1555

I served as choirmaster between the years 1555-1571 at St. John Lateran, S. Maria Maggiore, and the Roman Seminary.

Missa Papae Marcelli Composition

Oct 5, 1562

The Missa Papae Marcelli was composed two years before Paul IV's commission

Published First Mass

Jan 1, 1567

I published my first mass, Missa Papae Marcelli, in the year 1567. I dedicated this volume to Phillip II of Spain and the name shown similarity to a short-lived pope by the name Marcellus II.

Returned to Capella Giulia

Oct 23, 1571

I returned to Capella Giulia where I remained a music director until my death.

Death of Giovanni Pierluigi

Feb 2, 1594

I died at the age of sixty-nine; my cause of death is unspecified. My remains can be found at the St. Peter's Basilica located in Rome, Italy.