Samuel Barber: Agnus Dei (tune 'Adagio for Strings')

[yukyuk21]

This is a great piece of music, i would also suggest listening to "Song for Athene"

[aSkepticalman]

If Aliens ever made contact with Humankind, I'd play this to them, result?

Gobsmacked Aliens

[fledgehog]

the pureness of the human voice really fits the haunting, delicate harmonies of the piece

[iJamz88]

Is this the same score in "Tree of Life"

[PiscaCPT]

Bravo! Cheers from Brazil

[brookederosa]

this is the best version of this, bar none

[roms059]

just close the eyes, think about nothing, just dreaming to fly.... master piece

[Darbkin]

Only one other instrumental piece gives me the same spiritual uplift...Come, Sweet Death as performed by Virgil Fox on the Wanamaker Grand Court Organ

[astrogirl1231]

maybe a little slow, but really good.

[Cw5110]

@astrogirl1231 Adagio for strings can never be to slow. Most 4/2 Songs sound better when at a slow tempo to capture embrace and feel the warmeth of each note.

[PeturHinrik]

Absolutely beautiful piece of music right here, one of few in this style that I actually like. Being the metal/techno head that I am.

But as mentioned, DJ Tiesto did a remix of this which is alright. Ultimately though, the reason I even knew this song existed is a game called Homeworld. And I can't seem to paste youtube links in comments. So look for "Homeworld mothership launch" if you are interested.

[Klapaucius5691]

Same with me, playing Homeworld way back when it first came out was the first time I ever heard this version.

[keesvangulik127]

Originally this was a part of a string quartet, then arranged for string orchestra and choir. I hope it won't be arranged for ragtime piano.

[Kedorlaomerist]

This song reminds me of the Elephant man, I am sure it is the song they played at the end when he died. Lovely music. So glad I can hear.

[JTLash]

I heard this version many years ago on "Hearts of Space" during an episode devoted to Barber's adagio and it stunned me then even though I had just listened to it in several other versions.

[szmataty]

The Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world, is it possibile not to love you?

[kylegreerrocks]

this is a really incredible album...robert shaw was immaculate indeed :)

[arlooginky]

"Farewell and adieu unto you Spanish ladies, Farewell and adieu to you ladies of Spain."

Last seen being chomped in half by a giant fish!

[choralgirl1]

Awesome recording! I sang with Mr. Shaw for 7 years, though sadly, not on this recording. He's the best!

[OneFifthNative]

A techno version? Just proves that drugs not only wreck your mind and body but make you an imbecile at the same time.

[rtrThanos]

If that's true then it's obvious your brain's been addled by pure Columbian, because that was a pretty imbecillic post.

God forbid we suddenly become unique, and have different tastes in sound and music. Anyone who differs from your OPINIONS must be an "imbecile."

I wonder what makes me a bigger asshole... THINKING you're an asshole, or SAYING you're an asshole? Maybe just keep it to yourself next time.

[TilliusMitch]

Nah, I think it's a pretty fair statement. To turn a beautiful, classic song into a techno beat is pretty ridiculous. I don't have anything personal against techno(some of it I actually enjoy), but some things should be left alone.

[rtrThanos]

@TilliusMitch

Thankfully, nobody cares about your opinion. It's ridiculous to belittle others for their personal tastes. Variety is the spice of life, and I personally am grateful that there are so many different cultures and people in the world. If we were all "one people," and we all only listened to "beautiful, classic" music, this world would suck about as much as you do.  I suggest you take some music theory classes and open your eyes to the rest of the world.

[TilliusMitch]

@rtrThanos Haha. Nobody cares, says the guy who just couldn't resist the reply. I study music theory(no classes on my own accord) so shove it. I don't think I belittled anybody, simply disagreed(with my own opinion of course). I agree that variety is the spice of life, but like i said, some things should be left alone. This amazing piece being one of them. Sorry to get you butthurt for not digging on your taste but hey, I can't make everybody happy. Hope I didn't hurt your feelings or anything.

[hfxmagdude]

I love both the choral and techno versions. Differnet moods for different days.

[kittetheman]

although i understand your point of view tiestos version (the techno-thingy u speak of) is pure gold aswell!

maybe its a way for whole diffrent audiance to rly appreciate a masterpiece like this?

[chipwrexx]

In my opinion, the purest, most touching piece/recording of music ever created!!! Reduced me to tears 15 years ago and still does..

Thank you for putting this on youtube!!

Unfortunately, some DJ has turned this into a techno/dance/house version some years ago - hope you never had to hear it..

[MeyerG4Indiana]

@chipwrexx 47 yr old auto mechanic.

Same here- what a work of soul touching art.

It's may favorite of all time.

If you didn't get enough, my son showed me a piece certainly inspired by this one-

"Sleep" by Eric Whitacre

[Zamzunga]

@chipwrexx that remix you're talking about is actually the version that got me to know this piece of musical purity! The remixes by Ferry Corsten and/or DJ Tiësto, once both masters in trance music, are actually great modern interpretations which should not be underestimated in their quality, just as counts for both 'Adagio for Strings' and 'Agnus Dei' (on 'Adagio for Strings').

In my opinion: Thank god that Samuel Barber and modern DJ's/Producers have the opertunity to meet within the music!

[jpstenino]

@Zamzunga well said. Very clear and thoughtful.

[5n00k]

@chipwrexx Why? Wow, you are so prejudiced.

The version of Tiesto is amazing too, what's wrong with electronic music?

The producer (not DJ) needs to be very talented too.

[malcolmcolemann]

@chipwrexx If you’ve never heard it - & not many people HAVE - check out the 1st movement of Carl Dittersdorf's Sinfonia No.4 in F major (which is listed under the title: C.D.v. Dittersdorf - Sinfonia No.4 in F major 'The rescue of Andromeda...'). And it's definitely one to listen to in the dead of night (& his requiem is pretty damn good too!). And on a slightly different note...ahem...check out Mozart's Symphony No.6 if you've never heard it before, and especially the second movement. Bliss!

[VoodooVelma]

@chipwrexx

Not saying i like the remix version, but i do like the reaction people have to it. The crescendo is exhilarating as the original, and theres something satisfying about watching people loose themselves to it in an entirely different way.

[chrispalmo]

@chipwrexx

That would be DJ Tiesto. Apart from creating a brilliant remix of Barbers masterpiece, he has also managed to expose many listeners to a piece of music and possibly a whole world of music they may never have otherwise discovered.

[arsg66]

I heard this piece performed for the first time today, and I was absolutely captivated.

This recording is phenomenal!

[csheff1014]

It's originally written for Strings only, entitled "Adagio for Strings", by Barber.

[gwaur]

@csheff1014 It's originally the second movement of Barber's string quartet ;)

[BigBrotherWii]

An excellent rendition!

[piano6861]

Magnificent!

[syrinx79]

Gorgeous singing! Sounds like the basses really have to hit some deep notes.

[bigredsoprano]

I sung with him in 1969. He was a task master but he had to be to get that sound. This is my all-time favorite piece.

[silentoption]

All I can say is awesome

[mannyfit75]

Wow

[choirnerd99]

Wow...I wish I was old enough to be into choir music when Robert Shaw was around!

[drooblats]

Robert Shaw: Master of the First Art Volume 1, track #9. You folks are right, this is the best version I've ever heard. And I've heard this sung live by the Phoenix Bach Chior and the Kansas City Chorale under the direction of Charles Bruffy. They hurled through this in about eight and one half minutes; that version didn't do my soul any justice.

[futurestar0102]

if you listen carefully at the very beginning you can hear a bass standing out pretty clearly, and it's a real gutteral sound.

[retoricalanswers]

true. but i have to admit: as a bass, its hard enough getting to that pitch. i give him props

[futurestar0102]

yea...i'm a bass as well...and it's possible to hit those notes without sounding like that...it's not pleasant to listen to.

[retoricalanswers]

im sorry. im just saying i can relate. maybe one day i'll be as talented as you are.

[kktubey]

haunting.awesome

[gleohuyck]

This is the best choral version I have heard. Most of the others are taken to fast

[moyez17]

Beautiful.