Yesterday we featured Palestrina in his jubilant, extroverted mode. Today’s piece is a perfect example of his more familiar style: serene, flowing, spiritually elevated. But there is a bit of mystery with this piece. It was included in the collection of pieces which are known as the Missa Papae Marcelli. But that collection already had an Agnus Dei, one that is completely unified with the other movements of the Mass, both in style, number of voice parts, and even thematic material. This Agnus seems completely different from the rest of the Mass. It was written for more voice parts, and voices in different registers. And it sounds nothing like the rest of the Mass. So, I don’t know what Palestrina had in mind with this piece. But it is extremely beautiful, perhaps even more beautiful than the other Agnus – certainly more complicated. I find it incredibly elevated.

– Dennis Keene

PALESTRINA “Agnus Dei II” from Missa Papae Marcelli

Voices of Ascension
Dennis Keene, Artistic Director

from the Delos recording Prince of Music ℗ 1999 Delos
The singers in this performance are represented by the American Guild of Musical Artists, AFL-CIO.