Giovanni Croce, known in his native Venice as "Il Chiozzotto" due to his origins in the district of Chioggia, was a prominent figure in the musical landscape of the late Renaissance. Born in 1557, Croce demonstrated prodigious musical talent from an early age, eventually becoming one of the leading composers and organists of his time.
Croce's musical education began in Venice, where he studied under the renowned composer Adrian Willaert, who was maestro di cappella at St. Mark's Basilica. Under Willaert's tutelage, Croce developed a deep understanding of polyphony and sacred music composition, laying the groundwork for his future success.