At the same time priest, choirmaster and organist, Tomas Luis de Victoria was born in Sanchidrian around 1548 and died in Madrid in 1611. Musicologists hail him as the most famous composer of the Spanish Renaissance.
Unlike Gaspar Sanz who did not compose sacred music, Tomas Luis De Victoria devoted himself entirely to religious music. He left behind him an important body of work which includes no less than 20 masses, more than 80 motets of 4 to 8 voices, 16 magnificats and 2 passions.
>> To listen: the program “L’oreille d’abord” devoted to composers and priests
He perfected his skills in Rome where he was admitted to a Jesuit college as cantor of the choirs. There he met the two sons of Palestrina who were studying at the Roman seminary where their father held the position of choirmaster. This relationship thus allows him to take advantage of the lessons of the master of whom he will be the successor from 1571.
Ordained a priest on August 28, 1575, Tomas Luis De Victoria believed that God had given him a musical gift to serve him. With his music and his gentleness, he therefore wishes to uplift souls, inspire prayer and serve as a balm for the rough patches of life. This explains the fervor of his works.
Among these, the masterpiece the “Messe de Requiem” which he composed in 1603 for the Empress Marie, which is also his last published work.
>> Listen: Tomas Luis de Victoria, “Requiem Mass”, performed by the British ensemble Gabrieli Consort conducted by Paul McCreesh
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