2. The Life
Born in Central Spain to a well documented
family.
Choirboy at Cathedral of Ávila.
Well known as an Organist.
Travelled to Rome in 1565 to become Cantor for
Collegium Germanicum .
Possibly studied with Palestrina during this time.
Became Maestro at the Roman College after
Palestrina retired.
3. Became ordained priest in 1574
Appointed Maestro di Capella
at Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in 1575.
Returns to Spain in 1581 to work as chaplain for
Empress Maria, sister of Phillip II
Chaplain for 17 years, until Maria died.
Spent 7 more years as Chapel Master in Maria’s
former court.
Attended Palestrina’s funeral in 1594
Died in 1611 in his chaplaincy residence, and is
buried there….
….although they cant find his
tomb.
4. The Counter Reformation
The Catholic Church’s response to the Protestant
Movement
Victoria is considered the most important
composer of the Spanish Counter Ref.
5. The Music
Noted usage of dividing choirs into multiple mini-
choirs
Organ is often treated as a soloistic voice in the
choir.
Published first book of motets in 1572.
Unlike his contemporaries, his music is more
Homophonic than most music of the period.
Dissonance to a greater extent than
Palestrina, using M6 leaps, and occasionally
Satan’s own chord the Aug. 4th
