Agnus Dei 2020 [Alf:00-48830]

The title provides an important timestamp for an unprecedented year. Veteran choral composer Jay Althouse constructed this very special work in remembrance of lives lost during the pandemic. His setting of the traditional Latin text is built upon a melody inspired by nature: "Near the end of my walk that day, I heard a bird singing three notes over and over again. I came home and began writing. The bird's song is the first three notes of the opening melody." Solemn, prayerful, and poignant.