Nordic Voices Sing Victoria

Experience the timeless beauty of Tomás Luis de Victoria's polyphonic masterpieces with "Nordic Voices Sing Victoria," a captivating album from the renowned Norwegian a cappella group, Nordic Voices. This extraordinary collection, released in June 2017, showcases the enduring appeal of Victoria's sacred choral works, which have transcended boundaries of geography, culture, and religion for over four hundred years.

Recorded in surround sound and originally captured in 2016, this album features a carefully curated selection of motets from Victoria's first two collections, published in 1572 and 1576. The six-member ensemble of Nordic Voices brings a fresh and vibrant interpretation to these historic pieces, highlighting the intricate harmonies and profound spiritual depth that characterize Victoria's compositions.

The album spans 55 minutes and includes iconic works such as "Quem Vidistis, Pastores," "Vexilla Regis," and "Salve, Regina," each performed with a level of precision and artistry that pays homage to the composer's legacy. The surround-sound recording, produced by Jorn Pedersen and engineered by Arne Akselberg, was recorded at Ris kirke in Oslo, Norway, providing an immersive listening experience that captures the full richness of the ensemble's voices.

"Nordic Voices Sing Victoria" is not just a collection of choral pieces; it is a testament to the enduring power of music to connect us across time and space. Whether you are a seasoned fan of Gregorian chant and medieval music or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a profound and moving exploration of some of the most beautiful and spiritually resonant choral works ever composed.

Tomás Luis de Victoria, the most celebrated Spanish composer of the Renaissance, stands shoulder to shoulder with giants like Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina and Orlande de Lassus. Born around 1548 in Ávila, Victoria's life was dedicated to his faith and his music, creating a legacy that resonates through the centuries. As a devout Catholic priest, his compositions are almost exclusively sacred and polyphonic, set to Latin texts, reflecting his deep spirituality and artistic innovation.

Victoria's journey began as a choirboy at Ávila Cathedral, where he honed his skills as both an organist and a singer. His time in Rome further enriched his musical language, leading to a style that is pure, expressive, and profoundly religious. His motets, Masses, and Magnificats are renowned for their intensity and emotional depth, making him a leading figure of the Counter-Reformation.

Among his most celebrated works is the Requiem Mass for six voices, composed in 1603 and published in 1605, a masterpiece that showcases his mastery of polyphony and his ability to convey the deepest human emotions. Victoria's influence extended throughout Europe during his lifetime, and his compositions continue to inspire and move audiences today. His works, marked by their purity and spiritual profundity, offer a timeless journey into the heart of Renaissance sacred music.