Review

Tomas Luis da Victoria
O Magnum Mysterium:

Arranged by Andrew H. Converse


Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2010
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 4 trombones

Victoria was born at Avila in 1548 and died in Madrid in 1611. From 1565 to 1587 he lived in Rome and may have studied with Palestrina during this time. The Christmas motet O Magnum Mysterium first published in 1572 is his most celebrated work. In this transcription for trombone quartet the work retains its essential characteristics. First part begins piano on a whole note f1, successive voices enter in imitative counterpoint until all four voices are joined in measure 10; intensity increases as progressively shorter note values are used; then into one-in-the bar triple time for a dancing ‘alleluia,’ and back to 4/4 for eight beatific final measures. 
 
A secure high register is essential for the demanding first part, range b-flat–b-flat1; written in bass clef, it lies entirely above the staff, and in my opinion would be optimally presented in tenor clef. Second and third parts are less difficult; first two notes in second part should be tied. Bass trombone range is D-flat–f. This is an excellent addition to the repertoire for college-level ensemble. Dr. Andrew Converse teaches Trombone at Texas A&M University-Kingsville and is Principal Trombone with the Mid-Texas Symphony.

-Keith Davies Jones
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada