Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina
Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina was an influential Italian composer of the Renaissance, born around 1525 in Palestrina, near Rome. He is best known for his sacred music, particularly his masses and motets, which exemplify the polyphonic style of the time. Palestrina's work is characterized by its clarity of text and smooth melodic lines, making it a model for choral music.
Palestrina's compositions played a significant role in the development of Western classical music. His style was seen as a response to the Council of Trent, which sought to reform church music. Today, Palestrina is often regarded as the "father of polyphony" and remains a key figure in music history.