AMERICAN composer Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings is posted here today in memory of my much-loved father and the many times he filled our lives with beautiful music.

The music is the setting for the composer’s 1967 choral arrangement of Agnus Dei, based on the invocation from the Latin Mass, recited after the Canon, when the Host and the Chalice are lifted heavenward, the unblemished and bloodless sacrifice offered in expiation for our sins.

Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, dona nobis pacem.

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, grant us peace.

— Comments —

Mrs. T. writes:

Thank you for this post. It is one of my favorite pieces and I had no idea it was written for the Mass.

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