Passion - Officivm Hebdomadæ Sanctæ - Tomás Luis de Victoria

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the profound and moving world of Tomás Luis de Victoria's "Passion - Officivm Hebdomadæ Sanctæ," a masterful exploration of the Passion of Christ through the lens of Gregorian chant and polyphonic music. This album, released on September 3, 2021, under the Alia Vox label, is a testament to the composer's creative genius and his ability to evoke deep spiritual and musical experiences.

Spanning nearly two hours, this choral and medieval masterpiece is performed by the renowned Hesperion XXI and La Capella Reial de Catalunya, under the direction of Jordi Savall. The album features 88 tracks, each meticulously crafted to capture the essence of Holy Week, from the solemnity of Palm Sunday to the poignant reflections of Good Friday.

Victoria's "Officium Hebdomadæ Sanctæ" is not just an album; it is a journey through the sacred texts and rituals of the Catholic liturgy, brought to life through the composer's exquisite polyphony and the timeless beauty of Gregorian chant. The album includes a variety of liturgical settings, from the hauntingly beautiful "Passio secundum Mathæum" to the deeply reflective "Lamentatio Jeremiae Prophetae."

This recording, made during a live performance at the Festival de Salzburgo in July 2018, captures the raw power and intimacy of the music, offering a unique opportunity to experience the spiritual depth and musical brilliance of Tomás Luis de Victoria's work. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of early music or a newcomer to the genre, "Passion - Officivm Hebdomadæ Sanctæ" is an essential addition to your collection, offering a profound and enriching listening experience.

3 sep 2021

(P) 2021 Alia Vox

About Tomás Luis de Victoria

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.