Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina – Missa Papae Marcelli

The chapter begins with a biographical and compositional overview, including discussions of Palestrina’s various positions in and outside of Rome; his compositional output that numbered 104 Masses, approximately 500 motets, and approximately 140 madrigals; the nature of his Masses, many of which are based on previously composed models; the papacy and the Counter-Reformation; and mandates of the Council of Trent. Musical discussion in this chapter focuses on unique characteristics of the Missa Papae Marcelli and its legacy. Performance practices include: pitch and performing forces; meter and tactus, with considerable focus on syncopation; the importance of oratorical phrasing; tempo and its variability; and musica ficta.