What Is Victoria's Music?

Victorias music, which was Composed at the end of the 16th Century, and the beginning of the 17th Century, was part of the music that he had written for the church. His music was to be sung as a part of the Catholic liturgy and all of the texts are to be written and read in the Latin language, the official texts of the church. One thing that many people found surprising about his music is that despite his Roman training and years of living in the city, Victoria so strongly retained his Spanish roots. Some of Victoria's finest works were composed after his return home, and many of them contain features that seem to display the deeply mystical approach of so much Spanish Renaissance music. In comparison with Palestrina Victoria's works reveal a greater emphasis on chromatic color and use of dynamic contrast; Victoria's block harmonies and multiple choirs look forward to the Baroque.These early efforts are highly personal compositions displaying a wide range of expressive intensity and …show more content…
In 1575 Victoria was ordained to the priesthood, almost by the last living member of the pre-Reformation English Church hierarchy, Bishop Thomas Goldwell. He actively served as priest at St. Girolamo della Carità, and concurrently was appointed Maestro di Cappella at St. Apollinare. Between 1581 and 1585 he published five volumes devoted to hymns, Marian works, Masses, Holy Week offices, and motets. The most significant composition to emerge from these publications is the “Tenebrae Responsories”. Detailing the story of the Passion in music, Victoria composed 18 pieces using a popular method of composing which is the customary alternation of verse and refrain. This moving and dark setting also suggests, that Victoria, despite his personal and professional successes in Italy, was eager to return to his Spanish