Officium Defunctorum

The Spanish Renaissance composer and priest Tomás Luis de Victoria is undoubtedly best known for “Officium Defunctorum,” the six-voice work for mixed choir that he composed for the funeral of his employer, Maria of Austria. The piece, also known as Victoria’s Requiem, is a fervent musical tribute to the Dowager Empress, who passed away in 1603.

Luis de Victoria lived and worked for many years as a singer with the Jesuit order in Rome, where he likely studied under and was inspired by the Italian composer Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina. The works of these two composers are sometimes difficult to distinguish, but in Victoria’s compositions, counterpoint and melody are handled with expressive passion.

At the time of its composition, “Officium Defunctorum” did not garner any particular attention, but since its rediscovery approximately 150 years ago, myths surrounding the work have grown to immense proportions. “Requiem for an Era,” “The End of Renaissance Music,” “The End of Spain’s Golden Age,” and “A Peaceful Lament for the Entire Spanish Throne” are some of the titles the piece has been given by posterity.

Repertoire
Tomás Luis de Victoria Officium Defunctorum

Stockholm Cathedral Vocal Ensemble
Gary Graden conductor

Please note that large bags, backpacks, suitcases, and strollers are not permitted inside the church!