Italian organist, composer and teacher. In 1779 he was one of the judges of the competition for the post of maestro di cappella at the cathedral of Milano. He had many organ pupils. At a time when styles more appropriate to the opera house and concert hall strongly influenced many Italian organists' performances and compositions, Cattenacci was among the few who attempted both in his playing and in his published music to emphasize the polyphonic nature of the instrument. Cattenacci composed a large amount of church music, including masses, mass movements, Magnificat and psalm settings, hymns and a Te Deum, all in manuscript.
Source: Milton Sutter: Gian Domenico Cattenacci quoted from Grove Music Online accessed 17 January 2010, Complete article (requires subscription).