Gregorio Allegri (1582 – 1652) was an Italian composer and priest of the Roman School of composers. He mainly lived in Rome, and died there. He studied music under Giovanni Maria Nanini, the intimate friend of Palestrina. Being intended for the church, he obtained a benefice in the cathedral of Fermo. Here he composed a large number of motets and other sacred music, which, being brought to the notice of Pope Urban VIII, obtained for him an appointment in the choir of the Sistine Chapel at Rome. He held this from December 1629 till his death. In character, he was regarded as singularly pure and benevolent.
