Born in Italy in the 16th century, Palestrina ranks with Lassus and Byrd as one of the most important figures in the music of this time. Though conservative in style, he was one of the first composers to bring together the influences of Italian, French and Flemish music. His output was prolific, and among his sacred works are 104 Masses, 375 Motets and 35 Magnificats. This performance of the plainsong-based Missa de Beata Virgine I, with its interpolation of Gregorian chant and the use of the organ, seeks to restore earlier performance traditions and draws attention to the liturgical context in which Palestrina’s music was heard.