NANINO, GIOVANNI MARIA

born 1543/44, Tivoli, Papal States died March 11, 1607, Rome Nanino also spelled Nanini Italian musician and composer who was one of the better known figures in European music in the late 16th century. Nanino studied singing and composition and subsequently served as maestro di cappella (choirmaster) at several important Roman churches before becoming a permanent singer in the papal choir in 1577; he served as choirmaster of that body during several years. Nanino was a notable teacher and is thought to have established, along with his brother Giovanni Bernardino Nanino, the first public music school in Rome to be run by Italians. He taught most of the eminent Roman composers of the first half of the 17th century. Nanino wrote both secular and sacred music, composing madrigals, motets, and canzonets, among other works. His madrigals are among the finest of his day, but his sacred music has been totally eclipsed by that of his eminent contemporary, G.P. Palestrina.