The Tenebrae ResponsoriesbyTomás Luis de Victoria are a set of eighteen motets for four voices a cappella. The late Renaissance Spanish composer set the Responsories for Holy Week known as Tenebrae responsories. They are liturgical texts prescribed for use in the Catholic observances during the Triduum of the Holy Week, in the MatinsofMaundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday. The compositions were published in Rome in 1585.
| Tenebrae Responsories | |
|---|---|
| MotetsbyTomás Luis de Victoria | |
The composer
| |
| Text | Responsories for Holy Week |
| Language | Latin |
| Published | 1585 (1585): Rome |
| Movements | 18 |
| Scoring | SATB choir |
The eighteen Tenebrae Responsories are set for four voices each but with a varying disposition of the voices soprano (S), alto (A), tenor (T) and bass (B). Soprano, tenor and bass are at times divided. Six responsories are dedicated to each Matins of Maundy Thursday ("coena Domini", the Lord's supper), Good Friday, and Holy Saturday ("Sabbato Sancto").