2011 marks the 400th anniversary of the death of Tomás Luis de Victoria. This remarkable Spaniard epitomised the emotion and fervour of Renaissance Europe and is considered by many to be the most outstanding composer of his time.
The Sixteen’s new boxed set, The Victoria Collection, contains four of The Sixteen’s celebrated Victoria recordings: The Call of the Beloved, Requiem of 1605, Mystery of the Cross, and Devotion to our Lady.
The Call of the Beloved includes some of the earliest triple-choir music ever to be published and is a reminder of Victoria's joyous and passionate music, complementing his more austere Requiem and music for Holy Week.
The celebrated Requiem of 1605 is Victoria's final composition and a work of beguiling beauty and sumptuous simplicity – a true masterpiece. It can be seen as the summation of both his art and the Spanish Renaissance tradition. The beautiful plainsong on which it is structured can be heard arching through the texture, forming a delicate and sinuous line throughout. Subtly accompanied by a chamber organ and bajón, it is recorded here with the same forces as may well have performed it originally in the Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales. The Requiem is preceded by Marian Antiphons interspersed with three motets setting texts from the Song of Songs
Devotion to our Lady showcases works for eight parts, some of them for two antiphonal choirs discreetly accompanied by organ and bajón, all displaying the magnificent fervent sonorities for which Victoria is renowned.
A beautifully packaged set, which complements perfectly the release of The Sixteen's newest recording by the composer - Hail, Mother of the Redeemer, also features some of the composer's Lamentations for Holy Week. What could make a more appropriate Easter gift?
Order online here.
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