Victoria uses the Requiem Mass to paint a musical portrait of grief, where time stands still and the world, a different place through the veil of sorrow, moves slowly, sometimes painfully. The polyphony is solemn but incredibly intense; dissonance, which might usually be short, is augmented to draw out the hurt, passion and confusion.

Versa est is an exquisite setting of the words ‘My harp is turned to mourning’. Victoria once again returns to slow-moving polyphony; the human mind is deep in thought, oblivious to the world outside. The discs ends with the final pleading: ‘Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy, Lord have mercy.’ Initially calm, though insecure, but finally almost a cry of despair, there being no understandable conclusion.

Armonico Consort have established themselves amongst the foremost interpreters of Baroque and Renaissance music. Working alongside well-established artists, they are in much demand from major festivals across the UK and in Europe.

Tomas Luis de Victoria – Requiem (DXL 1112) Digital Booklet

Track List

Officium Defunctorum – Tomás Luis de Victoria

1. Taedet Animam Meam

Missa Pro Defunctis
2. Introitus
3. Kyrie eleison
4. Graduale
5. Offertorium
6. Sanctus
7. Agnus Dei
8. Communio
9. Versa est in luctum
10. Libera me
11. Kyrie eleison

12. Versa est in luctum – Alfonso Lobo