born с 1548, near Avila, Spain
died Aug. 27, 1611, Madrid
Spanish composer.
He went to Rome с 1565 as an organist and singer, and he may have studied with Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina , eventually becoming kapellmeister for a Jesuit congregation (1573–77). Ordained a priest (1575), he was associated with St. Philip Neri 's group (1578–85). During this time he published his books of motets, masses, Magnificats, and hymns. In 1587 he returned to Spain as chaplain to the dowager empress Maria, in whose convent he served as organist and choirmaster until his death. He wrote 21 masses (including a Pope Marcellus Mass ), several Magnificats, and 44 motets (including O magnum mysterium ). His music is mystical, impressive, and moving, and he was renowned as the greatest Spanish composer of the Renaissance.