Immerse yourself in the sacred and serene world of Tomás Luis de Victoria's "Ave regina caelorum & Other Sacred Music," a captivating collection of choral works that showcase the profound beauty of Renaissance polyphony. Recorded in February 2004 at the resonant Westminster Cathedral in London, this album is a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship of Victoria, one of the most celebrated composers of the Spanish Renaissance.
The album opens with the stunning eight-part "Ave Regina caelorum," an antiphon that was originally used in liturgical settings to precede and follow the chanting of a Psalm. This piece sets the tone for the rest of the album, which includes a rich tapestry of sacred music, including the full Missa Ave Regina, a four-voice "Magnificat," two settings of "Ave Maria," and five Vesper Psalms. Each piece is performed with meticulous attention to detail by the renowned Westminster Cathedral Choir, under the skilled direction of Martin Baker.
The album's duration of one hour and eight minutes offers a comprehensive exploration of Victoria's sacred music, providing a sense of the composer's deep spiritual devotion and his mastery of choral writing. The genres represented here—Gregorian chant, choral, medieval, and requiem—highlight the timeless appeal of this music, which continues to resonate with audiences today.
Produced by Mark Brown and engineered by Julian Millard, this recording is a technical achievement as well as a musical one. The sound quality is exceptional, capturing the full richness and depth of the choir's performance. Whether you are a longtime fan of choral music or a newcomer to the genre, "Ave regina caelorum & Other Sacred Music" is an album that will leave a lasting impression.
Vinylscout