Missa Vidi Speciosam / Ave Maris Stella
The "Ave Maria" that opens this disc--the first of five shorter works that precede the performance of the Mass--is a remarkable display of simplicity in the service of beauty. We've heard this from de Victoria many times before, most famously in the sublime innocence and purity of "O Magnum Mysterium," one of his most frequently performed works, and we hear it again and again on this disc-in the Marian motetNe Timeas, Mariaand throughout the Mass. Contrary to most modern performances of de Victoria's masses, this one is accompanied by organ--a practice that apparently was common during the late Renaissance and is appropriately and effectively used here. The warm resonance, full of character, of the Westminster Cathedral choir's sound is ideal for de Victoria's closely woven textures and elegant--yet restrained--melodic writing.--David Vernier