Gratiani made an early start on his ecclesiastical career and, after his seminary studies in theology in Rome, was ordained a priest. He was soon given the prestigious position as maestro di cappella of the seminary itself and the adjacent church, La Chiesa del Gesù. Unlike other composers also ordained priest, Gratiani balanced both activities as is documented in the many baptismal registries of the churches of Marino. Much of Gratiani’s music was printed during his lifetime, including liturgical music of different kinds, solo motets and motets for two to six voices. Gratiani died in 1664 and it was his brother, Gratiano, who obtained the rights from Pope Alexander VIII in order to publish more of his brother’s music. Between 1665 and 1678 he published fourteen posthumous collections of music by Bonifatio.