Tomás Luis de Victoria

Nationality: Spanish 

 

Born: Ávila, 1548

Died: Madrid, 1611

Type of music: Polyphonic Sacred music

Main works: Requiem Mass for the Dowager Empress Maria (1603), 21 Masses, 16 Magnificats

Victoria was born into a prominent family, and in his early years he was a choirboy at the cathedral in Avila, where his uncle was a cannon. His education started at a reputable Jesuit school in Avila but in 1565, King Philip II of Spain sent him to the 'Jesuit Collegio Germanico' in Rome. It is most likely that he studied composition with Giovanni Pierluigi here as he succeeded him as the director of music at the Roman seminary.

In 1578 Victoria met the Dowager Empress Maria and later King Philip II assigned him as her Chaplain. In 1584 she entered the convent of the Descalzas Reales in Madrid, where Victoria served her until she died. Here he attained the position of Priest and organist and remained at the convent until his own death in 1611.

Unlike a lot of his contemporaries, Victoria only wrote Sacred music, although his output is still considerable. It includes 21 Masses, 44 Motets, Psalm settings, hymns, Magnificats, and 4 offices for the dead.

He also wrote music for holy week services, including 2 passions: 'The Imporperia' and 'The Lamentations of Jeremiah'.

Victoria's last work was a Requiem he wrote in 1605, dedicated to the memory of the Empress Maria. 


Spotify link for the Classical Cafe playlist: 

https://play.spotify.com/user/1146446707/playlist/722kiKqGuaxYnbQqnjifAr