The following youtube video referenced features some of the most breathtaking religious classical vocal music ever. It is a spellbinding compilation of some of the best music around. It makes you feel right there in the cathedral with the performers, lost in their song and you never want to get out of it. The first piece is personally one of my favorites. It is the “Agnus Dei” by Samuel Barber. This piece was first done for string orchestra and transcribed as an Agnus Dei for mass at a later time. Both versions are so beautiful. The gorgeous spiral of the harmonies makes me feel like heaven is coming and the earth is spiraling away. The silences in this piece are aptly placed.
The second song “Miserere mei, Deus” by Allegri is equally as spellbinding as its predecessor. If you want to capture true hope in the face of a lament, this is the one for you. Some pieces later, Henry Purcell’s “Hear My Prayer, O Lord” is a fantastic cry for the Lord to come near to starving souls. It is the English version of most of the Latin prayer music that has circulated throughout history. You don’t hear prayers or music like this anymore, which is sad to say the least. But, this music ought to make people of the Lord rejoice for their Father in Heaven.
Thomas Tallis “If Ye Love Me” is an excellent reflection of Jesus’ command “If ye love me, then keep my commandments.” It is joyful, uplifting singing that can encourage the soul all the more. John Tavener’s “Funeral Ikos,” is an ode to the end of this life and the hope of eternal life restored, as is referenced by the numerous sections of blissful “hallelujah” throughout the piece.
Still a few pieces later, you have a brilliant English prayer and song titled, “Remember Not, Lord Our Offences.” It is a fabulous reminder to humanity that we are fallen but we ask God to forgive us with his mighty and holy love. The many key shifts take us for a ride from starting in the sobering minor key of C minor to weaving our way to ending a cadence in F and then in A major—very beautiful. There are many more songs in this collection that are for the departed and for the as yet living. Let the music touch your soul. Be uplifted and encouraged in the Lord with worship in this most beautiful fashion.
