Paolo Agostino

Paolo Agostino (or Agostini; Augustinus in Latin; c. 1583 – 1629) was an Italian composer and organist of the early Baroque era.

He studied under Giovanni Bernardino Nanino, according to the dedication in the third and fourth books of his masses.

[1][2] He held a series of positions as organist and maestro di cappella (choirmaster) between 1607 and 1626 when he succeeded Vincenzo Ugolini as maestro of the Cappella Giulia's choir in St. Peter's Basilica.

He was a highly sophisticated contrapuntist, often using strict canonic techniques; in addition, he used colorful sonorities, changes of meter between sections, and colorful chromaticism, showing an acquaintanceship with contemporary secular practice as well as the work of the Venetian School.

An Agnus Dei for eight voices is especially admired and was used as an example in Padre Martini's Saggio di contrappunto.