The Mystique of Miserere

Few choral works in history have been as shrouded in secrecy and reverence as Gregorio Allegri’s Miserere mei, Deus. Composed in the early 17th century for the exclusive use of the Sistine Chapel, this setting of Psalm 51 was considered so sacred that Pope Urban VIII forbade its transcription under penalty of excommunication. It was performed only during the Tenebrae services of Holy Week, its soaring polyphony echoing through the Vatican, reserved solely for the ears of the papal court.

For over a century, the piece remained hidden—until 1770, when a 14-year-old Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, visiting Rome with his father, attended a performance. After hearing it just once, he transcribed it from memory, effectively breaking the Vatican’s exclusive hold. Soon, the piece was published and spread across Europe, though not without variations emerging.

One of the most famous aspects of the Miserere is the ethereal high C sung by the top soprano in the famous ornamented passages. However, this embellishment was not part of Allegri’s original manuscript but rather a result of 19th-century editorial modifications. Over time, different versions evolved, incorporating embellishments passed down through the oral tradition of the Sistine Chapel Choir. Today, the high C is often considered an essential and breathtaking feature of the piece—yet it is not what Allegri originally wrote.

In our performance edition, we present a historically informed scores that captures the essence of both the original composition and with the later embellishments that have become beloved by audiences. This edition allows choirs to sing the Miserere in its pure form while also embracing the breathtaking soprano flourishes that have defined its mystique.

One score is based upon a variety of scores produced in handwritten over time with various alterations, here in the original Latin. The other score is based upon acclaimed performances in English and extensive expression markings.

This is not en extremely difficult piece to perform nor does it take long to learn. It is one/third a 5 part choir, then a quartet of soloists, one with a high C, and the last third, a cantor.

Rehearse the choir section, skipping to it throughout the score, dismiss them at the end for your usual rehearsal time, then work with the quartet or at another time, and the cantor as well, saving everyone time and the boredom of sitting through sections you are not singing - which encourages talking and disruption.

Whether you seek historical accuracy or the awe-inspiring high C, our carefully prepared score provides a definitive version of one of the most transcendent choral works ever composed.

The PDF is available for a limited time as a free download. Download, save it to your files while available!

When ordering the printed book, you will also receive a free download so that you may print out the "section" pages and start rehearsing right now until your books arrive.