Hyperion Records

Veni Creator Spiritus is a hymn, from the composer’s 1589 collection (published by Angelo Gardano in Venice), alternating chant with polyphony. The reformed Breviary which appeared in 1568 induced a number of illustrious composers to write cycles of hymns, including Lassus, Victoria and Guerrero. Though the hymns—true liturgical gems—are today a barely known part of Palestrina’s output, there is no good reason why this should continue to be so, as the limpid beauty of this setting well shows. It is scored for four voices, except for the doxology, which is set for five.

from notes by Ivan Moody © 2003