Event programme

Victoria in Rome

When Victoria arrived in Rome around 1565, Palestrina was already an established composer. Victoria remained in Rome for seventeen years, and in 1573 he succeeded Palestrina as maestro di cappella of the Roman Seminary. He later returned to Spain, where he took up the post of chapel master at the convent of Santa Clara de las Descalzas Reales in Madrid. His Primus Liber Missarum was published in Rome during his tenure as musicae moderator at the German College. This volume includes the Missa Ave maris stella, based on the hymn of the same name, which is presented here in full. In addition, the programme features a selection of Marian motets by Victoria and Palestrina, as well as two motets on Christological themes and the intimate Miserere mei, Deus. Although there is no evidence that Victoria was a direct pupil of Palestrina, the latter’s influence is clearly evident in the balance of polyphony, clarity of text and profound sense of devotion. However, while Palestrina cultivated a clear and pure polyphonic style, more restrained and balanced in character, Victoria tended towards a more emotional and expressive musical language, marked by spiritual intensity. This programme explores the beauty and depth of Renaissance sacred music through two of its most outstanding representatives.

Tomás Luis de Victoria (1548-1611): 
Missa Ave Maris Stella
Kyrie / Gloria

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (1525-1594): 
Ad Dominum contribularer

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (1525-1594): 
Ad te levavi oculos meos

Tomás Luis de Victoria (1548-1611): 
Missa Ave Maris Stella
Credo

Tomás Luis de Victoria (1548-1611): 
Missa Ave Maris Stella
Sanctus / Benedictus / Agnus Dei

Tomás Luis de Victoria (1548-1611): 
Ave Maria

Tomás Luis de Victoria (1548-1611): 
Sancta Maria

Tomás Luis de Victoria (1548-1611): 
Miserere mei, Deus