Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina was an Italian Renaissance composer, born in Palestrina, near Rome. Known as a central figure of the Roman School, his works, particularly masses and motets, have had a lasting influence on church music. He became the organist of the Cathedral of St. Agapito, and was later appointed musical director of the Cappella Giulia at St. Peter's Basilica. Palestrina faced personal hardships, losing family members to the plague, but continued to compose prolifically. He died in Rome on 2 February 1594.