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Allegri's Miserere

Soul MusicSeries 8

An exploration of the impact of Allegri's 17th-century music, originally sung in the Sistine Chapel of the Vatican. From 2009.

Gregorio Allegri wrote the chord sequence for his Miserere in the 1630s for use during Holy Week in the Sistine Chapel.

This is located in the Apostolic Palace, official residence for the Pope in Vatican City

It then went through the hands of a 12-year-old Mozart, Mendelssohn and Liszt until it finally reached England in the early 20th century and got fixed into the version we know today.

The soaring soprano line that hits the famous top C and never fails to thrill has become a firm favourite for concert audiences around the world.

Textile designer Kaffe Fassett, writer Sarah Manguso and conductor Roy Goodman explain how they have all been deeply affected by this beautiful piece of music.

With Peter Phillips.

Series exploring famous pieces of music and their emotional appeal.

Producer: Rosie Boulton

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2009.

Available now

30 minutes

Last on

Sat 18 Oct 202500:00
BBC Radio 4 Extra

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Credit

ComposerGregorio Allegri

Broadcasts

  • Tue 1 Sep 200913:30
    BBC Radio 4
  • Sat 5 Sep 200915:30
    BBC Radio 4
  • Fri 13 May 201618:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Sat 14 May 201600:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Tue 29 Dec 202018:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Wed 30 Dec 202000:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Fri 17 Oct 202510:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Fri 17 Oct 202516:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Sat 18 Oct 202500:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra

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Podcast

  • Soul Music

    Series about pieces of music with a powerful emotional impact