Gregorio Allegri, an Italian ecclesiastic and composer of church music, born in Rome about 1580, died there in February, 1652. He was the pupil of Nanini, and on terms of intimacy with Palestrina. His voice was not remarkable, but he was a perfect master of harmony, and was made one of the singers in the pope's chapel in 1629. The famous Miserere, performed yearly on Wednesday and Friday of Passion Week, in the papal chapel, is his composition.