Victoria got his early musical training in Avila as a cathedral chorister. He moved to Rome where he studied with Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina. In 1571 he became musical director of the Collegium Romanum. Starting in 1586 he was named chaplain for the Spanish Dowager Empress Marìa and stayed in Madrid where he died in 1611.
Victoria's music reached great fame in its time all his works were published in the composer's lifetime. At this point in time Victoria is known better for his motets. Victoria did not write any secular music. Other music included typical sacred music of the day such as lamentations, responsories, anthems, psalms, motets, and hymns |