Product description udio CD (June 14, 1993) SPARS Code: DDD Number of Discs: 1 Format: Import Label: Hyperion UK ASIN: B000002ZL0 Also Available in: Audio Cassette Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews) Bestsellers Rank: #222,174 in Music (See Top 100 in Music) .com The contrast of these solemn texts with the very high, very young- sounding boys' voices gives a strangely ethereal quality to the music. Victoria wrote his 18 Responsories to be performed in three sets, according to Church custom, during the services of Holy Week. The music would not have been heard straight through as we have it on this recording, but its presentation in this form allows us to fully appreciate its unified construction and emotional impact. Except for some overexuberant singing from the tenors in the "Tenebrae factae sunt" section and occasional loss of blend in the trebles, this is a delightful, atmospheric recording. It sets the proper mood for Victoria's thoughtful, reverent, and moving accompaniment to these all-important observances in the liturgy of the Christian Church. --David Vernier
P**N
exalted praise
When novelist Vonnegut, who happenened to be an atheist, suggested that some music possibly has the power to change the mind of an atheist concerning the existence of a supernatural being, then I suggest that he may have been refering to the compositions of Victoria. The fact is that the composer was a darling of powerful men in the Catholic church during a time we know as the Renaissance. He must have been completely aware of his circumstances given his success in pleasing authorities and suggesting the absolute divine by means of the human voice. I can find very little wrong with this particular recording. The direction and performance are truly superb. I question one aspect of performance and recording, however. The SA parts of the SATB seem a little thin and weak. But that may only be because I prefer women's voices to boys.
D**A
More angelic sounds . . .
Angelic sounds that help to keep the grind of the daily pace at peace. Eighty percent of my day is writing or reading loc so I need something that will allow me intense concentration without distraction . . . this is beautiful for that . . . and when a function doesn't run as expected I am able to deal with it from a peaceful perspective. PTL
P**A
Exquisite
There is no one like Victoria, this album is a gem and everything he has done is worthy of any collection.
K**O
Solemn, Passionate, Sacred Renaissance Music by Victoria for Holy Week and Easter
Every Holy Week I listen to the Tenebrae Responsories by the great Spanish Renaissance composer Tomás Luis de Victoria (1548-1611), which are so appropriate for this most solemn (and ultimately joyous) season on the Christian calendar. This 1987 Hyperion recording by the Westminster Cathedral Choir under David Hill is a particularly fine one, eclipsed only by the legendary 1959 Decca recording by the Westminster Cathedral Choir under George Malcolm, reissued more than once on the London label.
D**K
Outstanding!
I don't know how to put this in words. I never knew this composer existed before hearing this cd but I will be doing some research to find out more. This is a beautiful, powerfull experience. The recording is simply outstanding. Remarkable clarity and presence. Thank you, Hyperion!
C**N
A beautiful piece of music
A beautiful piece of music and sung by some of the best choristers around. Interesting to me since - being a member of an amateur choir - we will be singing this as part of our repertoire in the not too distant future. Arrived safely and well packaged - thank you
R**K
Scholarly reading by Hill & Co
These are T.L. de Victoria's unaccompanied responsories for Maundy Thursday and are here presented in a very scolarly reading by David Hill and his Westminster Choir.The sound is excellent with the choir near the microphones and this makes an excellent CD for study, reflection or relaxation.
M**
Exquisite
Darkly beautiful; profoundly moving; perfect for Holy Week contemplation and prayer. Beautifully performed and quite stunning in impact and expression.
O**A
A differnt sound to have in your music collection
Wonderful musicespecially at Lent Excellent value for money
D**T
Great cd
I just love these responsories
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