Miserere (Allegri)

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Miserere (full title: Miserere mei, Deus) is a setting of Psalm 51 (Miserere mei, Deus) by Italian composer Gregorio Allegri. It was composed during the reign of Pope Urban VIII, probably during the 1630s, for use in the Sistine Chapel during the Tenebrae service on Holy Wednesday and Good Friday of Holy Week.

Composition and Structure

The Miserere is written for two choirs, one of five voices and one of four voices. The composition is known for its simple yet hauntingly beautiful polyphony. The work is characterized by its use of fauxbourdon, a technique that involves the use of parallel harmonies.

Performance History

The Miserere was exclusively performed at the Sistine Chapel for many years, and its transcription was forbidden under pain of excommunication. This exclusivity added to its mystique and allure. The piece was first transcribed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart when he was 14 years old, after hearing it just once during a visit to Rome in 1770. His transcription helped to disseminate the work more widely.

Text

The text of the Miserere is the Latin version of Psalm 51, which is a penitential psalm. The opening lines are:

Miserere mei, Deus, secundum magnam misericordiam tuam.

Et secundum multitudinem miserationum tuarum, dele iniquitatem meam.

Legacy

The Miserere has been widely regarded as one of the most beautiful examples of Renaissance music. It has been recorded by numerous choirs and remains a staple in the repertoire of sacred choral music. The piece is often performed during the Lenten season and is particularly associated with the Easter liturgy.

See Also

• Gregorio Allegri
• Psalm 51
• Sistine Chapel
• Holy Week
• Tenebrae
• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart