Victoria: Missa De Beata Maria Virgine & Missa Surge propera

Immerse yourself in the sacred and serene world of Tomás Luis de Victoria with this exquisite recording of two of his most renowned Masses. Released in 2011 by Hyperion, this album features the Westminster Cathedral Choir under the direction of Martin Baker, delivering a performance of profound beauty and spiritual depth.

The album opens with Victoria's enchanting setting of the Marian antiphon "Salve Regina a 5," setting the stage for the two magnificent Masses that follow. The first, "Missa De Beata Maria Virgine," is a paraphrase Mass based on the twelfth-century Gregorian plainsong Mass IX, ‘Cum iubilo.’ Published initially in 1576, this Mass showcases Victoria's mastery of polyphony and his deep reverence for the sacred texts.

The second Mass, "Missa Surge propera," is a parody Mass inspired by a motet of the same title by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina. Composed for the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, this Mass is a testament to Victoria's ability to weave intricate musical lines that elevate the spiritual experience.

The album spans a duration of one hour and seven minutes, offering a comprehensive exploration of Victoria's choral works. The performances by the Westminster Cathedral Choir are marked by their clarity, precision, and profound understanding of the music, making this recording a treasure for both scholars and lovers of choral music.

This album is a beautiful representation of Victoria's contributions to the Renaissance era, blending Gregorian chant with intricate polyphony. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of choral music or a newcomer to the genre, this recording offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.

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.