Help me remember the name

[Black Knight]

I wish to get this piece as a gift for my grandmother, but for the life of me, I can't remember its name! These are the facts I can remember:

- It is a very beautiful choral piece.
- Alternates between repeating tenor tones and sequences of higher tones, especialy a recurring theme with a high c (perhaps) and then downwards in steps.
- I believe the piece is closely related to the Vatican for some reason that I can't remember.
- I think the name was in latin (doh...) and had two words.

Edit: Also, no instruments, I believe.

[mc ukrneal]

I wish to get this piece as a gift for my grandmother, but for the life of me, I can't remember its name! These are the facts I can remember:

- It is a very beautiful choral piece.
- Alternates between repeating tenor tones and sequences of higher tones, especialy a recurring theme with a high c (perhaps) and then downwards in steps.
- I believe the piece is closely related to the Vatican for some reason that I can't remember.
- I think the name was in latin (doh...) and had two words.

Edit: Also, no instruments, I believe.

What kind of style? Baroque? More modern? Somethign else?

[canninator]

I wish to get this piece as a gift for my grandmother, but for the life of me, I can't remember its name! These are the facts I can remember:

- It is a very beautiful choral piece.
- Alternates between repeating tenor tones and sequences of higher tones, especialy a recurring theme with a high c (perhaps) and then downwards in steps.
- I believe the piece is closely related to the Vatican for some reason that I can't remember.
- I think the name was in latin (doh...) and had two words.

Edit: Also, no instruments, I believe.

Allegri: Misereri mei, Deus? Well it's beautiful with a recurring theme, in latin (3 words though), with links to the Vatican

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cn39RzlhSao

[Cato]

Allegri's Miserere is often performed with an adult and a boy's choir: the soprano/tenor part does indeed hit a high C.  I have an Archiv recording with a boy soloist handling the highest part.

The Vatican had basically banned its publication, allowing only a few authorized copies to be given out to assorted rulers.  Mozart at age 14 during a visit to Rome copied down the work from memory, and so it escaped and was published.  The Vatican was more amazed than angry at Mozart, and did not excommunicate him, which had been the threatened punishment for appropriating the work.

[Black Knight]

Thank you so much, both of you! It was indeed miserere. Also, thanks for the story.

[knight66]

As it will not sit on its own on a CD, just beware that a sampler of Kings College Cambridge disc has a vandalised, truncated version of the piece. It should last about 12 minutes.

If you can find it paired with Tallis 40 Part Motet, that would be a good combination. I have such a disc sung by the Pro Cantione Antiqua, but that specific issue on MCA Classics is no longer around. The performances may now be around together under another label.

Mike

Edit: Have a look at this one...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Great-Choral-Classics-Gregorio-Allegri/dp/B000007OTQ/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1281109370&sr=1-13

[Que]

A Sei Voci does a terrific Miserere.



Q

[knight66]

I suppose it depends how 'into' this kind of music the recipient is. But yes, I know that first disc and it is beautiful.

Mike