Gregorio Allegri: Miserere

From 1629 until his death Gregorio Allegri was a member of the papal choir, for which he wrote Miserere, the single work upon which his present day fame rests. From around 1666 Miserere was performed annually by the papal choir, and was reserved for their exclusive use; reputedly, excommunication was the penalty for copying the manuscript. Visitors flocked to hear the Miserere performed each Holy Week in Rome until 1870 when the papal choir was effectively disbanded. This is one of the most faithful editions of the original. For unaccompanied SSATB voices with SSAB soloists.