Tomás Luis de Victoria

Born in Avila, Victoria was a Spanish priest and composer who ranks with Palestrina and Lassus among the greatest composers of the 16th century. Victoria's works include 21 masses and 44 motets that are among the finest of the period. He also wrote psalm settings; hymns; several Magnificats; four offices for the dead; and music for Holy Week services, including two Passions, the Improperia, and the Lamentations of Jeremiah. His last work was the Requiem (1605) composed for the funeral of the empress Maria.