Album Description

Allegri’s Miserere is the single most famous piece of sacred music ever written. Although it is instantly recognisable with its haunting tones, mythology surrounds it. This year’s Choral Pilgrimage allows Harry Christophers to explore its evolution and enduring appeal. This new version of the Allegri Miserere entitled ‘Its Evolution’ as performed on the Pilgrimage has been recorded and appears on this disc. (For more information about the edition used, please visit Ancient Groove Music) 

James MacMillan dedicated his powerful and emotional setting of the Miserere to Harry Christophers and The Sixteen who premiered the work in 2010 and recorded it shortly afterwards. Alongside Allegri, MacMillan is one of the few composer to ever set the full Miserere to music. His exquisite version is one of the highlights of this year’s programme. 

Arguably the greatest composer of liturgical music of all time Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina is often billed as ‘The Prince of Music’ and by some ‘The Saviour of Church Music’. The 2013 tour includes some of his wonderful music for Easter including the Stabat Mater a 8 and excerpts from the Missa Regina caeli. 

Artists

Track Listing

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (1525-1594)
1. Kyrie (from Missa Regina caeli)
2. Improperium exspectavit cor meum
3. Angus Dei I-III (from Missa Regina caeli)

Gregorio Allegri (1582-1652)
4. Miserere - Its Evolution

James MacMillan (b.1959)
5. Dominus dabit benignitatem (from The Strathclyde Motets)
6. O radiant dawn (from The Strathclyde Motets)
7. Videns Dominus (from The Strathclyde Motets)

Palestrina
8. Stabat Mater a8
9. Vineam meam non custodivi (from Song of Songs)
10. Regina caeli laetare a8 
11. Pulchrae sung genae tuae (from Song of Songs)

MacMillan
12. Miserere

TOTAL PLAYING TIME: 72.04