Harry Christophers, the founder and conductor of The Sixteen, was appointed a CBE in the Queen's 2012 Birthday Honours for his services to music.
Composer Biography
After the death of his first wife, Palestrina petitioned to become a priest but then surprisingly remarried a wealthy widow, Virginia Dormoli, securing his financial future.
Historical Context
At the Council of Trent, there were discussions about banning polyphony, but composer Agostino Agazzari credited Palestrina with finding a 'remedy' that prevented its banishment from the church.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Palestrina dedicated his Song of Songs settings to Pope Gregory XIII, apologizing for past 'light and vain ideas' (likely his popular madrigals on profane texts) and asserting a new focus on sacred texts.
Composition History
Palestrina's 29 motets on texts from the Song of Songs were among his most popular works, reprinted at least 11 times, despite the texts being considered sensual and erotic Hebrew love poetry.
Cultural Impact
Palestrina's influence on sacred music is so profound that he has been called 'the prince and father of music' and 'the saviour of church music'.
Composer Biography
Palestrina experienced significant personal tragedy, losing his wife Lucrezia and three sons, Rodolfo and Angelo, to epidemics.
