Tomás Luis de Victoria, the great, Spanish sacred composer, as a youth left his native Avila for Rome to prepare for the priesthood, where it is believed that he also studied composition with Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina. In 1569, Victoria gave up his studies for the priesthood to take on the position of organist and chapelmaster at the Santo Maria di Monserrato in Rome. His first published music (1572) is a collection of 33 motets, including this SSATTB Quem Vidistis, Pastores? Whereas Victoria was not particularly prolific and restricted his writing to masses, motets, hymns and settings of service music only in Latin, he is regarded as one of the finest composers of his era.

Instrumentation:

• 3 Alto Flutes
• 2 Bass Flutes
• Contrabass Flute (or Contralto Flute in G)