Gregorio Allegri | Miserere mei, Deus (1638)
Gregorio Allegri (1582 - 1652) was a Roman Catholic priest and Italian composer of the Roman School and brother of Domenico Allegri; he was also a singer. He was born and died in Rome. He is chiefly known for his Miserere for two choirs.
1638-05-01 19:00:00 - Music Video
Miserere (full title: Miserere mei, Deus, Latin for "Have mercy on me, O God") is a setting of Psalm 51 (Psalm 50 in Septuagint numbering) by Italian composer Gregorio Allegri.
It was composed during the reign of Pope Urban VIII, probably during the 1630s, for the exclusive use of the Sistine Chapel during the Tenebrae services of Holy Week, and its mystique was increased by unwritten performance traditions and ornamentation.
It is written for two choirs, of five and four voices respectively, singing alternately and joining to sing the ending in 9-part polyphony.
Allegri's haunting Miserere is famous for both its ethereal beauty and for the mystery surrounding its composition. It is written for 2 choirs, who alternate phrases and then unite for a final resolution.
PERFORMANCE
Allegri - Tenebrae conducted by Nigel Short