Virgilio Mazzocchi was a native of Civita Castellana and began his career as a church musician in the cathedral there; with his brother's help he relocated to Rome and by 1629 he was leading the Capella Giulia at St. Peter's Cathedral. In addition to working in the court of Cardinal Barberini, Mazzocchi composed operas and maintained his position at St. Peter's until his early death at age 49 in 1646.