Hyperion Records

Laudate Dominum omnes gentes is a setting of Psalm 117 (116). With only two verses this is the shortest Psalm, but Victoria nonetheless produces a substantial setting of it (for two SATB choirs). Opening with a set of imitative entries in both choirs, the music soon proceeds to a series of increasingly closely argued antiphonal exchanges which culminate in a section of rich eight-part polyphony. The setting ends with a doxology beginning with his customary triple-time ‘Gloria Patri’ and rounded off with a beautiful sonorous final section in duple time.

from notes by Jon Dixon © 2004