Background
Benevoli was born in 1602 in Rome, Italia. He was the natural son of Duke Albert of Lorraine.
Benevoli was born in 1602 in Rome, Italia. He was the natural son of Duke Albert of Lorraine.
Benevoli was a pupil of Ugolini.
Benevoli served as maestro di cappella in several Roman churches, and finally at the Vatican in 1646.
Of the highest personal character, and a contrapuntist of lofty genius, he lived and died in poverty. His polyphonic vocal works (masses in 12, 16, 24, and even 48 parts-the mass performed at Sta. Maria sopra Minerva, Rome, in 1650, is for 12 choirs, i.e., 48 real parts-motets, psalms and offertories up to 30 parts) are the consemmating point of the polychoric a mppella style; he was likewise a pioneer in choral composition with obbligato instrumental accompanement (his mass for the consecration of Salzburg cathedral, 1628, is written on 54 staves). Few of his works were published, most are in MS. in the Vatican library.
