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Palestrina

Palestrina refers to Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, an Italian composer from the Renaissance period, known for his sacred music. He lived from 1525 to 1594 and is often considered the master of polyphony, where multiple independent melodies are sung simultaneously. His works, particularly for choirs, are celebrated for their clarity, balance, and emotional depth. Palestrina’s style influenced the development of Western music and set standards for choral composition, particularly in the Catholic Church. His music embodies the ideals of the Counter-Reformation, emphasizing text clarity and spirituality, making it timeless and still performed today.