Kjos Music O Magnum Mysterium - Victoria/McAllister - String Orchestra - Gr. 2.5

Composer: Tomas Luis de Victoria
Arranger: Eric McAllister
Format: Score and Parts
Instrumentation: String Orchestra
Level: 2.5

Toms de Luis Victoria (1548-1611) was one of the greatest composers of church music during the 16th century and the most famous of the Spanish Renaissance. He was a Spanish composer, organist, and priest, having lived part of his life in Italy.

Victoria began his musical studies at a young age as a choirboy in his hometown of Avila, Spain. Taking his training seriously, he received a grant to continue his studies in Rome. He interacted with prestigious composers and when he completed his training, worked as a composer, organist, teacher, and singer. He was also ordained a Catholic priest. In 1587, Victoria moved back to Spain and worked as a chapel master and chaplain in Madrid until his death in 1611.

Victoria's volume of works includes 21 masses, 44 motets, and many hymns. Likely one of his most famous works, O Magnum Mysterium, appeared in his first collection of sacred music, published in 1572.

Using a vocal piece that was originally published during the Spanish Renaissance, this beautiful arrangement allows string orchestras to explore rich colors, even during the quietest of moments. The use of imitation and echoing from part to part creates stunning layers that can be explored through dynamics, blending, and balance.