Victoria's Officium Hebdomadae Sanctae, published in 1585, is a significant collection of music for the Liturgy of Holy Week, unique for a 16th-century composer in its scope.
Historical Context
Victoria's early years in Rome were spent at the Collegio Germanico, where he became moderator musicae in 1575, the year of his ordination.
Compositional Technique
Victoria's Lamentations, unlike many composers, are commonly quasi-chordal and lack complex melismatic flights of fancy, particularly in the vocalizations of Hebrew letter names.
Performer Biography
The Sixteen, the choir performing on this album, previously dedicated an entire tour to Victoria's music in the USA, which proved inspirational to singers and listeners.
Composer Biography
Tomás Luis de Victoria, the composer, was sent to Rome in 1565 at the age of 17, sponsored by Philip II and the Church.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Victoria dedicated his collection of Holy Week music, the Officium Hebdomadae Sanctae, not to an earthly patron but to the Holy Trinity itself.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Victoria's music for Holy Week, including the Officium Hebdomadae Sanctae, is notable for its intensity of expression and concentrated anguish.
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