Composer

:

Tomás Luis de Victoria

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Publication Date

:

1600

Average_duration

:

9:03

Tomás Luis de Victoria was a Spanish composer of the Renaissance period, known for his sacred music. One of his most famous works is the Magnificat sexti toni, a setting of the Magnificat text for six voices. The Magnificat sexti toni was composed in the late 16th century, likely between 1580 and 1590. It was likely written for the choir of the Collegium Germanicum in Rome, where Victoria was working at the time. The Magnificat sexti toni is divided into nine movements, each corresponding to a section of the Magnificat text. The first movement is a full choir setting of the opening lines of the Magnificat, "Magnificat anima mea Dominum" ("My soul magnifies the Lord"). The second movement is a duet for alto and tenor, "Et exultavit spiritus meus" ("And my spirit rejoices"). The third movement is a full choir setting of "Quia respexit humilitatem ancillae suae" ("For he has looked upon the lowliness of his servant"). The fourth movement is a solo for bass, "Quia fecit mihi magna" ("For he who is mighty has done great things for me"). The fifth movement is a full choir setting of "Et sanctum nomen eius" ("And holy is his name"). The sixth movement is a duet for soprano and alto, "Fecit potentiam in brachio suo" ("He has shown strength with his arm"). The seventh movement is a full choir setting of "Deposuit potentes de sede" ("He has brought down the powerful from their thrones"). The eighth movement is a solo for tenor, "Esurientes implevit bonis" ("He has filled the hungry with good things"). The final movement is a full choir setting of "Suscepit Israel puerum suum" ("He has helped his servant Israel"). The Magnificat sexti toni is characterized by its rich harmonies, expressive melodies, and intricate counterpoint. Victoria's use of chromaticism and dissonance adds depth and intensity to the music, particularly in the more dramatic movements. The work also showcases Victoria's skill in writing for multiple voices, with each part contributing to the overall texture and meaning of the text. Overall, the Magnificat sexti toni is a masterful example of Renaissance sacred music, and remains a beloved work in the choral repertoire.

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