This is a useful compendium of works by the Spanish Renaissance giant, Victoria who composed an astonishing amount of music. Andrew Hope and the Victoria Voices and Viols prove to be a formidable partnership in this esoteric repertoire.
Victoria was considered as the greatest composer of the 16th and 17th centuries with his work in demand all over Spain. He was a sacred composer but notwithstanding that, his repertoire offers a striking amount of variance.
Hope himself tells us that Victoria wrote over 20 masses and around 45 motets and pieces such as 'Vadam et Circuibo' demonstrate the style that pervades most of the composer's work.
There is much variety on disc with works ranging from the peaceful and serene 'O Vos Omnes' to the splendid veracity of 'Sancta Maria, Succurre Miseris' (offered in two versions).
There isn't much to add to this except a sincere and faithful recommendation to all those who enjoy bouts of this sort of music.
Copyright © 2003, Gerald Fenech