Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina was born between 3 February 1525 and 2 February 1526. This year we celebrate his 500th birthday. A prolific composer, Palestrina was the first Italian to successfully adopt the polyphonic style practiced by Flemish composers Guillaume du Fay and Josquin des Prez (represented on this program). Alongside Palestrina’s well-loved Missa Aeterna Christi Munera and lesser known works, is the famous Miserere by Palestrina’s student, Gregorio Allegri.
Three Motets by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (1525–94)
Super flumina Babylonis
Haec Dies
Sicut cervus
Josquin des Prez (c.1450–1521) Mille regretz
Two settings of Ave Maria, virgo serena
Josquin des Prez Ave Maria (SATB)
Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina Ave Maria (SSATB)
Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina Missa Aeterna Christi Munera
Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Benedictus, Agnus Dei I, Agnus Dei II
Two Motets by Gregorio Allegri (1582–1652)
Miserere
Christus resurgens