Gregorio Allegri (1582-1652): Miserere mei, Deus

Piece is Psalm 51, but first set to music by Allegri around 1630. It is one of the finest and most popular examples of renaissance polyphony. It is often heard in Churches of the apostolic Christian tradition on Ash Wednesday, immediately following Shrove (or pancake) Tuesday, marking Christ’s return to Jerusalem. This performance is by Harry Christophers’ world famous choir. It is sung in Latin and is based on the original manuscripts provided by the Vatican church. The soprano singing the top C is Elin Manahan Thomas.