Agnus Dei, Vol.1

I live in a very noisy area close to a town centre - traffic noise, building noise, late-night 'revellers' etc - I have quite varied musical tastes, and while I often find it useful to have some music playing, I sometimes want something really relaxing and simply as background music.I stumbled upon this music by pure chance - I am not a church-goer, nor did I think I was particularly drawn to choral music - but, the track "Miserere mei, Deus" by Allegri on a different, classical compilation CD that I picked up in Oxfam one day, totally and utterly blew me away - and I was keen to hear more...I searched on Amazon, and thanks to other reviewers on here I chose this CD, Agnus Dei, and it is now very much my favourite, and has been for several months now.The music is so uplifting yet calming, and beautifully produced. As well as the incredible "Miserere mei, Deus" (the track lasts just short of 15 minutes) my other favourites are Barber's "Agnus Dei" (nearly 8 minutes) and Mozart's stunning "Ave Verum Corpus" (only just over 3 minutes, but very special).The selection is quite varied but thoughtfully arranged - so that each track seems to follow on well from the previous one - and I find it mostly very relaxing. (For me only one track, the Mendelssohn one with a soprano solo, is not quite to my taste and has to be fast-forwarded - others will love it however, and it is supposed to be a classic!) The works span several centuries, and everyone will have their own favourites - and whether you are, like myself, new to choral music, or have been enjoying it for many years, I think you will be delighted with the quality and variety, and the overall uplifting experience of listening to Agnus Dei. The CD would also make a great gift.

Very relaxing 😌

I have really enjoyed this purchase of the Agnus Dei, Volume 1 by the Choir of New College, Oxford underthe direction of Dr. Edward Higginbottom organist and choirmaster from 1976-2014, during which time heworked on over 70 recordings with the choir.I find the whole of this album appeals to my taste, but my favourite pieces are the Samuel Barber, AgnusDei, an adaptation of his famous Adagio for Strings originally written in 1936. There is true passion in thea capella singing that lifts the spirit. Equally inspiring is the Cantique de Jean Racine by Gabriel Faure.The choral interpretation of Nimrod by Elgar is truly beautiful, and the Miserere mei, Deus by GregorioAllegri is sublime.Twelve tracks in all on this CD which comes with the lyrics included in the information booklet.Published on the Erato label.A worthy addition to all choral music collections.

I bought this CD for my 91 year old aunt after we heard part of Agnus Dei on a TV advert. I did a search on the internet to find the music, after she said "I wonder what that beautiful music is", so I ordered it for her. She is over the moon in having the whole recording, she plays it on repeat as she is so enamoured with it, she said it's one of the most beautiful pieces of music she's ever heard. The quality of the whole CD is perfect as well, I don't recognise all the pieces of music but they are all worth listening to. My aunt said the packaging of the product was excellent, although it took her a while to get into it.

This music is sublime. If you like relaxing choral and classical music just buy it, no ifs or buts. An exceptional recording of the choir of the New college, Oxford and there are some classic pieces on board arranged for voice's that are a revelation when performed in this manner. The pieces by BARBER and ELGAR being two such works. Top marks to Edward Higginbottom for his arrangements and the choir for their beautiful rendition of these famous pieces.

Beautiful music giving rest to the soul.

I bought this for the Barber Agnus Dei. Wonderful singing. I don't normally care overmuch for compilations, preferring entire choral works, but this one is very carefully balanced; there is no jarring chopping and changing of style/ volume/ mood that can ruin many another compilation. The whole thing is an extremely relaxing listen, without being over-the-top and soapy. Highly recommended.

Excellent recording which never fails to bring tears,not always sad! LSO conducted by Previn, Winchester Cathedral choir,what more could one ask for If seeking perfection.