A quick study break (and choral music)

Christmas draws closer, and, although I am studying for my law course, everyone needs a little break. So make a cup of tea and maybe find a biscuit or two (or in my case, stollen - thanks mama!): I have a musical and restful treat in store for you.

Here is what I consider one of the most beautiful pieces of Christmas choral music in the world. I defy you to find one more spine-tingling than Lauridsen's O Magnum Mysterium.

As ever, there are a multitude of different versions available on youtube, spotify etc - this is the one by the Nordic Chamber Choir. If you fancy buying it off iTunes though, the Stephen Layton/Polyphony version is sublime. It was only written twenty years ago, but doesn't it feel utterly timeless?



Hope you're having a happy November.

E xxx

A Moment (or 12 minutes) of Peace

Allegri's Miserere came on the radio (Classic FM - great channel for studying!) yesterday and I was reminded of how beautiful it is. It really is the most peaceful music.

Have a listen - this is a version by the The Sixteen (an incredible choir led by Harry Christophers), but the Tallis Scholars version is also beautiful:

There is a lovely bit of history that goes with this piece. The Pope at the time it was written thought it was so beautiful that he decreed that it was never allowed to be performed outside the walls of the Sistine Chapel in Rome. This was the case for over 100 years - the manuscript was never published - but it became legendary. Then, in 1700 a 14 year old lad (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart) visited, heard it twice, then later wrote it down from memory. Apparently the original Miserere was simpler than the one we know today (as this little documentary shows) but still an impressive feat!  After this, the Pope at the time congratulated Mozart on his musical talent, and the Miserere Mei was shared with the world.

Ah, I love choral music. Any favourites?

E xxx