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Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina

Born: 1525. Died: 1594. Lived in: Italy

He was nicknamed Il Prenestino. He had a tremendous influence on the development of Roman Catholic church music.

He went to Rome at the age of fourteen to sixteen and is supposed to have studied under Claude Goudimel. In 1544-51 he was organist of the principal church of his native city (St. Agapito, Palestrina), and in the latter year became maestro di cappella at Cappella Giulia in Rome. By his first compositions -- three masses dedicated to Pope Julius III (previously the Bishop of Palestrina) -- he made so favorable an impression that he was appointed musical director of the Julian chapel. He held similar positions at various chapels and churches in Rome until his death (notably St. John Lateran (1555-60) and St. Maria Maggiore (1561-6)); and by his compositions, which are very numerous -- masses, motets, hymns, and others, of which only one-half have been published -- he produced a complete revolution in the history of church music, altering the existing chants in line with the recommendations of the Council of Trent. The Missa Papae Marcelli is generally counted among his greatest masterpieces.

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Arrangements | Trax CDs

Songbooks, Arrangements and/or Media

Displaying 1-2 of 2 items.


Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina : Missa Papae Marcelli : SATB divisi : Songbook : 841886012134 : 3795762812 : 49010403

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina : Missa Papae Marcelli    Out of Print

Missa Papae Marcelli, or Pope Marcellus Mass, is Palestrina's most well-known and most often-performed mass, and is frequently taught in university courses on music. The mass is freely composed, not based upon a cantus firmus or parody. It is a six-voice mass, though the use of the full forces is reserved for specific climactic portions in the text, and voice combinations are varied throughout the piece. It is set primarily in a homorhythmic, declamatory style, with little overlapping of text and a general preference for block chords such that the text, unlike many polyphonic masses of the 16th century, can clearly be heard in performance.

Songlist: Kyrie, Gloria, Gloria: Qui tollis, Credo, Credo: Crucifixus, Credo: Et in spiritum sanctum, Sanctus, Sanctus: Hosanna in excelsis, Sanctus: Benedictus, Agnus Dei I & II

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Voicing: SATB divisi | 9599b | Songbook | $9.95 | A Cappella


Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina : Canticum Canticorum - 29 Motets for 5-part mixed choir : SATB divisi : Songbook : 073999110944 : 50511094

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina : Canticum Canticorum - 29 Motets for 5-part mixed choir    Out of Print

Palestrina first published his 29 five-part motets, to words from King Soloman's Song of Songs, in 1583-1584 in Rome. These are most rewarding and challenging pieces for ensembles looking to add to their repertoire.

Songlist: Osculetur me, Trahe me, Nigra sum, sed formosa, Vineam meam non custodivi, Si ignoras te, Pulchrae sunt genae tuae, Fasciculus myrrhae, Ecce tu pulcer es, Tota pulchra es, Vulnerasti cor meum, Sicut lilium inter spinas, Introduxit me rex, Laeva eius, Vox dilecti mei, Surge, propera amica mea, Surge, amica mea, Dilectus meus mihi, et ego illi, Surgam et circuibo civitatem, Adiuro vos, Capet eius, Dilectus meus descendit, Puchra es, amica mea, Qua est ista, Descendi in hortum nucum, Quam pulchri sunt, Duo ubera tua, Quam pulchra es, Guttur tuum, Veni, veni dilecte mi

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Voicing: SATB divisi | 9602b | Songbook | $24.95 | A Cappella


Individual Folios

Displaying 1-19 of 19 items.


Adoramus Te : SATB : John Leavitt : Songbook : 35000211 : 747510058496

John Leavitt : Adoramus Te

A passionate Latin text, Adoramus Te embodies all of the purity and pristine beauty of Renaissance music. Sung a capella, this reverent masterwork may be used in concert, contest, or festival settings by school or church groups. Appropriate for high school children.

Arranger: John Leavitt

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Voicing: SATB | Sheet Music | $2.50 | A Cappella |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| 35000211
Other Voicings: SATB, TTBB, TTBB


Alma Redemptoris Mater : SATB : Terry Eder : Sheet Music : 41301054 : 073999151626

Terry Eder : Alma Redemptoris Mater

(Palestrina/Henson) SATB

Arranger: Terry Eder

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Voicing: SATB | Sheet Music | $2.65 | A Cappella |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| 41301054


Alma Redemptoris Mater : SSAA : Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina : Sheet Music : 15-2443R : 9781429102988

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina : Alma Redemptoris Mater

This piece is the third in the set of "Three Marian Antiphons for Treble Choir" by Palestrina and edited by Raymond Sprague. As in the first two pieces, the editor has provided a clean and uncluttered score in order to provide a canvas on which the informed conductor and well-trained choir can create a fresh and true interpretation of this beautiful Renaissance masterpiece.

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Voicing: SSAA | Sheet Music | $1.95 | A Cappella |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| 15-2443R


Ave Regina Coelorum : SSAA : Raymond Sprague : Sheet Music : 15-2165R : 000308110425

Raymond Sprague : Ave Regina Coelorum

This is the second of Three Marian Antiphons for Treble Choir. The first is "Salve Regina," also published by Roger Dean (15/1853R), and the third will follow next year. Written in two sections--the first, long and legato; the second, very rhythmic--this is sure to become a standard in the women's repertoire for colleges and festivals.

Arranger: Raymond Sprague

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Voicing: SSAA | Sheet Music | $1.95 | A Cappella |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| 15-2165R


Domine Fili Unigenite : SSA : Matthew Michaels : Sheet Music : 08596716 : 073999967166

Matthew Michaels : Domine Fili Unigenite

Featuring canonic imitation, vocal ostinati, and delicately intertwining melodies, this a cappella setting is stunning.

Arranger: Matthew Michaels

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Voicing: SSA | Sheet Music | $2.10 | A Cappella |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| 08596716


Ego sum panis vivus : SATB : Ryan Kelly : Sheet Music : 50600694 : 888680642921 : 1495074382

Ryan Kelly : Ego sum panis vivus

Blending scholarship and practicality, this performing edition of a Palestrina masterpiece can be performed a cappella. Or, employing the optional instrumental parts for strings in C, Alto and Bass clefs, and a keyboard part, it can be performed with whatever combination your situation calls for.

Arranger: Ryan Kelly

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Voicing: SATB | Sheet Music | $2.25 |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| 50600694


Gloria Patri : SATB : Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina : Sheet Music : 08596772 : 884088138172

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina : Gloria Patri

This antiphonal setting of the Gloria Patri by Palestrina may be performed by double chorus or chorus and brass. This stately and dignified work will enhance any sacred concert.Available separately: SATB Double Chorus and Optional Brass. Performance Time: Approx. 1:00.

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Voicing: SATB | Sheet Music | $1.70 | With Piano |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| 08596772


Illumina oculos meos : 3-Part : John Leavitt : Sheet Music : 08596725 : 073999967258

John Leavitt : Illumina oculos meos

This simple 3-Part canon offers an excellent introduction into a cappella Renaissance style. Available: 3-Part any combination.

Arranger: John Leavitt

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Voicing: 3-Part | Sheet Music | $2.10 | A Cappella |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| 08596725


Magnificat : SSAA : Jameson Marvin : Harvard Glee Club : Sheet Music : 50498649 : 884088878504 : 1480312967

Jameson Marvin : Magnificat

Jameson Marvin, through his work with Harvard and Radcliffe, has re-established the importance of teaching polyphony in the modern choral classroom. This beautiful setting of the Magnificat by Palestrina has been editited by Dr. Marvin to accommodate modern notation, clefs and measure lines. He also maintains rhythmic groupings enabling the singers to move beyond the tyranny of the bar line and bring a beautiful and authentic performance to the stage.

Arranger: Jameson Marvin Performed By: Harvard Glee Club

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Voicing: SSAA | Sheet Music | $2.75 | A Cappella |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| 50498649


Missa Assumpta Est Maria : SSATTB : Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina : Sheet Music : 14024887 : 884088427986 : 0711924554

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina : Missa Assumpta Est Maria

Scored for SSATTB Choir. Edited for modern use by Henry Washington. Transposed a tone down from the original pitch.

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Voicing: SSATTB | Sheet Music | $13.95 |
14024887


Nunc dimittis : SATB : Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina : Sheet Music : GIA9226 : 785147922605

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina : Nunc dimittis

Listen to this work on Spotify.

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Voicing: SATB | Sheet Music | Reduction


O gloriosa Virginum : SATB : Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina : Sheet Music : GIA6132 : 785147613206

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina : O gloriosa Virginum

This 4-part, a cappella piece by Palestrina has been edited expertly by Richard Proulx, who also provides a sung English translation in addition to the original Latin. A great selection for any Marian celebration.

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Voicing: SATB | Sheet Music | $2.00 | A Cappella |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| GIA6132


O Jesus Christ, Lord Most Holy : 2-Part : Eileen Brooks : Sheet Music : 08301683 : 073999335644

Eileen Brooks : O Jesus Christ, Lord Most Holy

The SAB edition became an immediate hit upon release. A period selection from the Renaissance, the English and Italian texts are both provided. The two part edition also contains an optional accompaniment.

Arranger: Eileen Brooks

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Voicing: 2-Part | Sheet Music | $2.35 | A Cappella |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| 08301683


O Lovely Splendor (O Che Splendor) : SATB : Geoffrey Mason : Sheet Music : W7013

Geoffrey Mason : O Lovely Splendor (O Che Splendor)

Arranger: Geoffrey Mason

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Voicing: SATB | Sheet Music | $1.95 |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| W7013


Panis Angelicus : SATB : Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina : Sheet Music : GIA2003 : 785147200307

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina : Panis Angelicus

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Voicing: SATB | Sheet Music | $2.40 | A Cappella |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| GIA2003


Sicut cervus : SATB : Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina : Sheet Music : GIA2141 : 785147214106

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina : Sicut cervus

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Voicing: SATB | Sheet Music | $2.20 | A Cappella |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| GIA2141


Sicut Cervus : SATB : Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina : Sheet Music : 50296560 : 073999858785 : 1423471431

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina : Sicut Cervus

One of the masterworks of 16th Century sacred music, this elegant motet offers a deeply emotional experience as the phrases unfold in a rich outpouring of sound. Available separately: SATB, VoiceTrax CD. Duration: ca. 2:00.

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Voicing: SATB | Sheet Music | $2.10 |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| 50296560


Sicut Cervus : SSA : Russell Robinson : Sheet Music : 00-35525 : 038081397214

Russell Robinson : Sicut Cervus

This widely performed Renaissance motet is now available in an SSA edition. Transposed up a fourth from the original key of F major, the beauty of Palestrinais polyphonic writing is maintained while making it more accessible for treble choirs. Also available for SAB (00-31089).

Arranger: Russell Robinson

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Voicing: SSA | Sheet Music | $1.80 |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| 00-35525


Tantum Ergo Sacramentum : SATB : Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina : Sheet Music : GIA7532 : 785147753209

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina : Tantum Ergo Sacramentum

Listeners will recognize the familiar chant melody, clearly outlined in the soprano, in this setting by Palestrina, sensitively edited by Tortolano. Perfect for the time of adoration that follows the Holy Thursday liturgy.

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Voicing: SATB | Sheet Music | $2.40 | A Cappella |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| GIA7532

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