Agnus Dei / from Missa 'Hodie Christus Natus Est'
SATB choral score unaccompanied
PEL2057-Choir Unaccompanied
A WORK FOR SATB CHOIR UNACCOMPANIED
PEL2057 'Agnus Dei' was created as part of Paul Halley’s Missa ‘Hodie Christus Natus Est’ for Christmas Eve Mass at the Cathedral of St. John The Divine in New York City. Opening with an ethereal soprano solo intoning the Gregorian chant of the same name, the composition soon moves from simple to sublime with the lush harmonies and impressionistic colors for which Halley is known. Intricate tuning for the choir and a high Bb for the soprano soloist make this an effective but moderately difficult piece to deliver. This piece works equally well in a concert or liturgical setting.
Video
Notes
Included on the Pelagosmusic recording "What Child Is This?", with Chorus Angelicus and Gaudeamus, directed by Paul Halley (PEL1005).
Texts
Agnus Dei
Words: Roman Rite
Music: Paul Halley
Agnus Dei,
qui tollis peccata mundi,
miserere nobis.
Agnus Dei,
qui tollis peccata mundi,
miserere nobis.
Agnus Dei,
qui tollis peccata mundi,
dona nobis pacem.
Translation:
Lamb of God,
you take away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God,
you take away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God,
you take away the sins of the world,
grant us peace.
From ‘The Ordinary of the Mass’ - Roman Rite
Reviews
“...and the precision with which the choirs perform Mr. Halley’s own composition, 'Agnus Dei', is a particular treat." - Michael O'Loughlin, The Living Church
"All I can say is that this takes Christmas music to a completely new level. The arrangements are just dazzling. " - The New Liturgical Movement
