Allegri: Miserere; Palestrina / Willcocks, Kings College Choir

religious and content

In a brief retort to the reviewer from Bakersfield, I do rather wish that you might refrain from refering to matters of religion, litergy, and "ritual" as being "stupid." Obviously, it meant something to Allegri. I'm not angry, but I am a bit vexed that you might say such things about something that is the very center of my life. I dare say others might have been similarly hurt by your remarks.

Regarding the Misere, I've heard some say that this is one of the greatest choral pieces ever written and others say that it was only at the level of something that Mozart could have written at the age of 5, pointing to the repeating stanzas,etc. In point of fact, there is that rumor that it was he who transcribed the composition as an adolecent. As a musican, I can tell you that everything that is written is always based on what already exists. Music is a progression. I would say it is more likely that this piece stuck with Mozart as inspiration. Mozart is known for pieces with simple but beautiful melodic lines, which the Miserere's is quite gorgeous and simple in it's own right--but fantastic enough to raise the hair on the back of your neck. To those who fault the repetition, Allegri was quite right to follow it. When Psalms are sung--which the Miserere is Psalm 51--it is usual for a particular line to be chosen as a refrain of sorts and repeated intermitently every verse or every other verse. This tradition is maintained in churches of various traditions to this day--and, I'm guessing, in synagogues as well. (Psalms are understood to be songs attributed to King David.)

As for the relative simplicity of this piece, one must remember that at the time it was written, this was the cutting edge. It sounds simple to us, but that's because we live in a post Wagner and Stravinski age. Keep in mind that it wasn't so long before this piece was written that they only had the tenor and duplum lines. But really, none of that even matters. This piece was written as a sacrifice of work to God, and "God is the simplest of all." Further, I think that the piece compliments the subject matter of the Psalm beautifully. This Psalm is about sin and feeling repentence. It's a simple subject that is filled with very complex emotions and grace. I think that the grace comes through very clearly here.

As for the quality of the recording, I don't think that anybody can argue that King's College Choir isn't pretty hard to beat. I have heard of a recording that might rival this one where well trained male and female singers are used. Maybe one day, I'll know enough to comment on that recording. October 5, 2004

I'm not religious,or anything,but this choir's AMAZING!!!

Okay I'll break it down for you.I don't believe in religion,and that mean's any of them,but it seem's like the only time you can enjoy an amazing choir like this one,that just happens to be my personal favorite,is when it has to do with religion.I mean,can't people just like choir's for the sake of liking choir's,without it having to be religious,and stuff.For example if anyone ever see's me at King's college,I'm not there for any stupid rituals or anything,keep in mind that's only if they even do that kind of stuff.I'm there for the sole purpose of hearing this choir.I mean they have so many layer's when they sing,that it's just amazing.With beautiful female high's,that are pretty much the best that I've ever heard,plus equally amazing male vocal's,singing the lower notes,but still,I'd have to say their biggest strength is when they seemingly go off in totally different direction's vocally,with both group's of males,and females,and still manage to weave it together into like a very tight quilt.I highly recommend this choir,over all the rest of them,and also,if you just like choir's without the religious stuff,then maybe you'd like something simular,but heavier,with speed,and distorted guitar's,and not to mention great musical talent,you should probably try something like Epic power metal band's,like Therion,Rhapsody,Blind Guardian,and maybe even the group's Dargaard,and Nightwish... January 18, 2004

Definitive Recording of the Allegri Miserere

This recording of the Allegri Misere is one of the most beautiful that I've ever heard, or indeed hope to hear. It is absolutely amazing. May 16, 2002

A brilliantly clear recording - you can hear the echos.

I love Palestrina, but most of all I love the Allegri Miserere.

I bought the CD to replace an earlier version (performed by the St.John's College Choir)and I was really quite delighted.

The first surprise was to hear the Allegri piece in English. It's good; very good. Not as good as it is in Latin, but still fits the music well. The quality of this recording is breathtaking. You can genuinely sense the atmosphere of the recording space ... the voices simply fade away to nothing in the heights of the building. And the voices you hear seem like the voices of angels.

Similarly, the Palestrina pieces are exceptionally well performed and produce.

However, the real gem (and it's a diamond) is the Allegri. If ever there was a piece of music that can soothe ruffled brows it's this. Let the boys' voices life you to heaven like the soft, gentle wings of angels. Come home stressed, make a cup of hot chocolate, close the curtains, dim the lights and let the sound soothe you. October 27, 2001

likely the best recording

The story of Allegri's "Miserere" Mass has been told time and again, but warrants one more telling. Allegri was commissioned by then Pope Urban VIII to write this piece to be sung exclusively in the Sistine Shapel during Holy Week. This has been the case every year since 1638. The piece itself was written between 1630-38. On Wednesday and Good Friday during Holy Week, this Mass would be sung after 26 candles were extinguished, leaving a solitary one burning. This tradition holds true to this day.

The Mass was to be performed only in the Sistine Chapel, and up until Mozart's famous visit to the Chapel in 1770, only 3 written copies of the Mass were known to exist. Anyone else who copied it was either excommunicated, killed, or both. Mozart heard the Mass on that Wednesday, would write the Mass from momory that evening, then hear it again on Good Friday to correct a few errors. He was done at that point, and the piece was returned to Vienna, where it could be shared with the world. (This is a very abbreviated version of a fascinating story)

Thanks to Mozart, we can relish in the brilliance of Allegri's Mass, and this 1963 version is arguably the finest recording of it. The solo is maturely handled by treble Roy Goodman, and is central to the success of the recording. The re-mastering of this classic recording only enhances its beauty, wonderfully bringing out its delicate intricaces.

This recording, paired with several pieces by Palestrina, is well worth the mere $... asking price. It is worth much more, in my book, so give this classic Mass a listen, and be amazed. April 22, 2001

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