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Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (c.1525-1594) was one of the most influential composers in European classical music. With his countless masses, motets and madrigals, infused with a deep sense of spirituality and musical beauty, Palestrina was named the 'Saviour of Church Music' at a revolutionary time when Rome was rewriting the rules of music composition. But what do we know about this mysterious character, between historical fact and hagiographic myth? Donald Macleod follows the clues, to try and reconstruct the story of a fascinating composer, on the (approximately) 500th anniversary of his birth.

In this fourth episode, a lifelong friendship, a papal jubilee, and a revamped St Peter's, but also some hard-hitting losses... Donald Macleod sees why Palestrina is considering becoming a priest.

Missa Ut re mi fa sol la (Hexachord Mass)
I. Kyrie
The Sixteen
Harry Christophers, conductor

Io son ferito (instrumental version)
Oliver Webber, violin
Steven Devine, harpsichord

Missa Brevis
II. Gloria
III. Credo
Choir of King’s College, Cambridge
Sir David Willcocks, conductor

Canite tuba (arr for brass ensemble)
Onyx Brass

Felix Mendelssohn: 3 Motets, Op 39
No 1, Veni Domine (Hear my prayer, O Lord), MWV B24
St Albans Abbey Girls Choir
Peter Holder, organ
Tom Winpenny, conductor

Deh hor foss’io col vago della luna (on a text by Petrarch)
Dulces Exuviae
Roman Bockler, baritone
Bor Zuljan, lute

Offertoria totius anni
Jubilate Deo (arr A. Frackenpohl for brass ensemble)
Canadian Brass
The Berlin Philharmonic Brass

Stabat Mater
Gabrieli Consort
Paul McCreesh, conductor

Missa pro defunctis
IV. Sanctus - Benedictus
Chanticleer

Presenter by Donald Macleod
Produced by Julien Rosa
A ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Audio Wales & West production for ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio 3