Dear Heaven Maker:
This exquisitely beautiful choral piece, Miserere, was composed by Italian Gregorio Allegri around 1638.
Originally performed in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, it was only heard during two services in Holy Week each year.
It is written for two small choirs, singing alternately, who then join together for the ending.
The score was a closely held church secret and transcribing it was forbidden. That is until a 14-year-old Mozart visited Rome and attended the first service of Holy Week. He heard the song once and wrote it down that evening from memory. Then he attended the second service later in the week to correct any errors.
Some time during his travels, Mozart met the British historian Charles Burney, who obtained the piece from him and took it to London, where it was published in 1771.
Every time I listen to it I am transported into Heaven here on Earth.
Enjoy.
Martin
Martin Rutte
