Tomás Luis de Victoria, one of the most important composers in 16th-century Spain, was born in Ávila around 1548.[1][4][5] His musical career began at the cathedral there. In 1565, King Philip II sent him to Rome to study at the Collegium Germanicum.[5] There, he held various important positions and likely had close contact with Palestrina, whose position he eventually filled as music director at the Roman Seminary.[5] After years in Rome, he returned to Spain in 1587, where he served as a priest and organist. Victoria's style reflects both the influence of earlier Spanish masters and the formative experiences of his time in Rome. Despite a relatively small body of work compared to other Renaissance composers, his compositions are characterized by exceptional inspiration and virtuosity.
Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, born in Palestrina, received his musical training in Rome. He held important positions in various churches, including the Cappella Giulia in St. Peter's Basilica. Palestrina published numerous works of sacred music, but also composed secular pieces, including a setting of the Song of Solomon.
This recording features two masses by Victoria. The Missa De Beata Maria Virgine is a paraphrase mass and draws on Gregorian melodies. The Missa Surge propera, on the other hand, is a parody mass based on a motet of the same name by Palestrina. Both works impressively demonstrate Victoria's artistic range and his masterful command of compositional technique.