A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Anerio, Felice
ANERIO, Felice, an Italian composer of the Roman school, was born about 1560, and, after completing his studies under G. M. Nanini, was made Maestro at the English College. He afterwards took service with Cardinal Aldobrandini, and upon the death of Palestrina was named 'Compositore' to the Papal Chapel, on April 3, 1594. The date of his death is unknown. His printed compositions include the following: three books of 'Sacred Madrigals' for five voices (Gardano, Rome 1585); three books of 'Madrigals'; two books of sacred Concerti'; two books of Hymns, Canticles, and Motetti; ' Responsori' for the Holy Week; Litanies, Canzoni, and Motetti. His unpublished works are preserved in the collections of S. Maria in Vallicella, of the Vatican Basilica, and of the Pontifical Chapel. In the library of the Abbè Santini also, there was a considerable number of Anerio's Masses, with Psalms and other pieces. A Mass, a Te Deum, and 12 motets (one for 8 voices) by him, are given in Proske's 'Musica divina.'
[ E. H. P. ]