Composer. Possibly the most technically accomplished of the Renaissance polyphonists. He wrote the most complex choral music of the period, frequently utilizing double-choirs and dozens of voices, yet his technique was so solid that the words he set were always intelligible. His most famous work is the "Missa Ducalis" (1565), dedicated to Cosimo I de' Medici. Porta was born in Cremona, Italy. He became a Franciscan monk and studied music in Venice under Adrian Willaert, who strongly influenced his style. After holding several important church positions he settled as music director at the Cathedral of Padua in 1589. He was also an excellent teacher, numbering Lodovico da Viadana among his students. Porta was greatly admired in his era and had noble patrons from all over Italy, who financed the publication of his music; 17 volumes appeared during his lifetime. Among his surviving compositions are 15 Masses (including a Requiem), over 200 motets, an extensive hymn cycle for Vespers, scores of secular madrigals, and some keyboard music. Since the 1980s Porta's considerable output has enjoyed a growing reputation among Early Music groups, and one award-winning vocal ensemble is named after him.
Composer. Possibly the most technically accomplished of the Renaissance polyphonists. He wrote the most complex choral music of the period, frequently utilizing double-choirs and dozens of voices, yet his technique was so solid that the words he set were always intelligible. His most famous work is the "Missa Ducalis" (1565), dedicated to Cosimo I de' Medici. Porta was born in Cremona, Italy. He became a Franciscan monk and studied music in Venice under Adrian Willaert, who strongly influenced his style. After holding several important church positions he settled as music director at the Cathedral of Padua in 1589. He was also an excellent teacher, numbering Lodovico da Viadana among his students. Porta was greatly admired in his era and had noble patrons from all over Italy, who financed the publication of his music; 17 volumes appeared during his lifetime. Among his surviving compositions are 15 Masses (including a Requiem), over 200 motets, an extensive hymn cycle for Vespers, scores of secular madrigals, and some keyboard music. Since the 1980s Porta's considerable output has enjoyed a growing reputation among Early Music groups, and one award-winning vocal ensemble is named after him.
Bio by: Bobb Edwards
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