Victoria: Taedet animam meam

This recording features the celebrated Requiem of 1605, Victoria's final composition and a work of beguiling beauty and sumptuous simplicity. It can be seen as the summation of both his art and the Spanish Renaissance tradition. The beautiful plainsong on which it is structured can be heard arching through the texture, forming a delicate and sinuous line throughout. Subtly accompanied by a chamber organ and bajón, it is recorded here with the same forces as may well have performed it originally in the Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales. The Requiem is preceded by Marian Antiphons interspersed with three motets setting texts from the Song of Songs.

'In Paradisum' combines music from three sources: the Officium Defunctorum of Victoria, polyphony by Palestrina and Gregorian chant from a 17th century manuscript. Placing the work of the Spanish and Italian religious composers in a historically 'authentic' context, the Hilliard Ensemble also give us a sense of the overwhelming musical experience that the Catholic Mass was at the time of the Renaissance.

2011 marks the 400th anniversary of the death of Tomás Luis de Victoria. This remarkable Spaniard epitomized the emotion and fervour of Renaissance Europe and could be considered the most outstanding composer of his time.

This new boxed set contains four of The Sixteen’s celebrated Victoria recordings for the price of three including his masterpiece, the Requiem of 1605 recorded in surround sound and released in SACD format.

A beautifully packaged set, which compliments perfectly the release of The Sixteen's newest recording by the composer - Hail, Mother of the Redeemer, also features some of the composer's Lamentations for Holy week. What could make a more appropriate Easter gift?