FOR DOCTOR OTTO TRUSCHESS’ GRACE
The most Reverend Augustan Cardinal, my highest protector.
In fact, the most reverend cardinal, having been enjoying your protection for years now, I can manage in the music field –we know it is the best praised- in such a way that if my skill were the same as my will, I would not feel ashamed (this is just my humble opinion) of my work, my effort or my insistence. But, since nothing can ever disappoint or deceive that one who acts honestly, it would be really necessary for me, whose purpose was not at all different from the glory of God and the common benefit of humankind, to deeply intend and hope to reach everybody’s approval to get all my aims, whatever they might be.
Meanwhile, as a proof or token of my behaviour toward you, I have addressed to your name some religious songs (people call them motets) which I dared to publish so that fair people, and specially music experts, could use them.
And it is really meaningful due to the fact that many reasons were calling me to do it so. The first and most relevant is that, when you put me under your protection, you offered me anything suitable for my success and honour. But it was necessary, over all for me, who have always felt bound to you with a greatly trustful and respectful link, to put on record, not only for you but for everybody in general, through not simple tasks, which works I have accomplished, thanks to your support and how they are going on at the moment, that is to say how happy and satisfied I feel with them.
Then, I wonder, to whom would it be better to offer the musical songs and the religious songs than to the one who does not only enjoy singing but he has also considered sacred studies over any other honours and possessions? Really, to whom was it fairer to hand up this result of all my effort than to you, from whom I had got it, to be thankful for any kind of knowledge, in case I have some, I am aware which came from you?
That’s why I must declare I owe you more than others, as much as it is hard nobody could ever owe. And to provide a testimony of this fact, I decided to publish in your honour all these works coming out for the very first time from my skill. If I get to know you like them, I will happily devote myself to other works and I will leave apart other people’s opinions or remarks. And meanwhile, since with your generosity, you have included me among your protégés, I hope these protection and honour will be the fruit of your caring.
Your very humble servant.
Tomás Luis de Victoria
Translation: Carmen Jerez Cid.
[Digital dedicatory access]
Image from the specimen at Monasterio de Santa Ana, Ávila (Spain). Digitized by Nacho Álvarez©.
