The liturgical prayer known as the Agnus Dei is written in Latin. The words “Agnus Dei” translate into English as “Lamb of God” and it is a chant addressed to Christ. It is commonly used during Mass in the Roman Catholic Church and has been adapted into choral pieces by a number of history’s best-known composers.
The History of Agnus Dei
The Agnus Dei was introduced in the Mass by Pope Sergius (687–701). This move may have been a defiant act against the Byzantine Empire (Constantinople), who ruled that Christ shall not be depicted as an animal, in this case, a lamb. The Agnus Dei, like the Credo, was one of the last things to be added to the Mass Ordinary.
The fifth item in the Mass, Agnus Dei comes from John 1:29 and is often used during communion. Along with the Kyrie, Credo, Gloria, and Sanctus, this chant remains an integral part of the church service.
Translation of the Agnus Dei
The simplicity of Agnus Dei makes it an easy one to remember, even if you know little or no Latin. It begins with a repeating invocation and ends with a different request. During the Middle Ages, it was set to a great variety of melodies and included more acclamations than these two, which are most common.
Latin English
Agnus Dei, qui tolis peccata mundi, Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
miserere nobis. have mercy on us.
Agnus Dei, qui tolis peccata mundi, Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
dona nobis pacem. grant us peace.
Compositions With Agnus Dei
The Agnus Dei has been incorporated into countless choral and orchestral pieces of music over the years. Many well-known composers, including Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Schumann, and Verdi have added it to their mass and requiem compositions. If you listen to classical music enough, you will surely encounter Agnus Dei quite often.
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750) used it as the final movement in his monumental work, “Mass in B Minor” (1724). It is believed that this was among the last pieces he added and one of his final vocal compositions as well.
One of the better known contemporary composers to use the Agnus Dei is Samuel Barber (1910–1981). In 1967, the American composer arranged the Latin words to his most famous work, “Adagio for Strings” (1938). It was written for an eight-part chorus and retains that mournful, spiritual character of the orchestral work. As with Bach’s composition, it is a very moving piece of music.
Sources
Randel (Editor), Don Michael. “The Harvard Dictionary of Music." Harvard University Press. 2003.Wolff, Christoph. “Bach: Essays on His Life and Music.” Harvard University Press. 1991.
What is the translation of the “Credo”?
English Translation of the Latin Song “Benedictus”
Pie Jesu Lyrics, English Text Translation, and History
‘Panis Angelicus’ Lyrics and Translation
Salve Regina Latin Text and English Translation
Learn the English Translation of Liturgical Prayer, the “Kyrie”
15 Classic Instrumental Pieces for a Wedding Ceremony
Top 10 Baroque Period Composers
What Is Choral Music?
The Oratorio: History and Composers
Learn the Lyrics to “Adeste Fideles” in Latin and English
Famous Composers of the 20th Century
“Ubi Caritas” Lyrics and Translation
A Guide to the Complete English Translation of the “Gloria”
Biography of Franz Joseph Haydn, Austrian Composer
The Greatest Composers of the Classical Period
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When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Cookies Settings Reject All Accept Cookies
The liturgical prayer known as the Agnus Dei is written in Latin. The words “Agnus Dei” translate into English as “Lamb of God” and it is a chant addressed to Christ. It is commonly used during Mass in the Roman Catholic Church and has been adapted into choral pieces by a number of history’s best-known composers.
The History of Agnus Dei
The Agnus Dei was introduced in the Mass by Pope Sergius (687–701). This move may have been a defiant act against the Byzantine Empire (Constantinople), who ruled that Christ shall not be depicted as an animal, in this case, a lamb. The Agnus Dei, like the Credo, was one of the last things to be added to the Mass Ordinary.
The fifth item in the Mass, Agnus Dei comes from John 1:29 and is often used during communion. Along with the Kyrie, Credo, Gloria, and Sanctus, this chant remains an integral part of the church service.
Translation of the Agnus Dei
The simplicity of Agnus Dei makes it an easy one to remember, even if you know little or no Latin. It begins with a repeating invocation and ends with a different request. During the Middle Ages, it was set to a great variety of melodies and included more acclamations than these two, which are most common.
Latin English
Agnus Dei, qui tolis peccata mundi, Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
miserere nobis. have mercy on us.
Agnus Dei, qui tolis peccata mundi, Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
dona nobis pacem. grant us peace.
Compositions With Agnus Dei
The Agnus Dei has been incorporated into countless choral and orchestral pieces of music over the years. Many well-known composers, including Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Schumann, and Verdi have added it to their mass and requiem compositions. If you listen to classical music enough, you will surely encounter Agnus Dei quite often.
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750) used it as the final movement in his monumental work, “Mass in B Minor” (1724). It is believed that this was among the last pieces he added and one of his final vocal compositions as well.
One of the better known contemporary composers to use the Agnus Dei is Samuel Barber (1910–1981). In 1967, the American composer arranged the Latin words to his most famous work, “Adagio for Strings” (1938). It was written for an eight-part chorus and retains that mournful, spiritual character of the orchestral work. As with Bach’s composition, it is a very moving piece of music.
Sources
Randel (Editor), Don Michael. “The Harvard Dictionary of Music." Harvard University Press. 2003.Wolff, Christoph. “Bach: Essays on His Life and Music.” Harvard University Press. 1991.
What is the translation of the “Credo”?
English Translation of the Latin Song “Benedictus”
Pie Jesu Lyrics, English Text Translation, and History
‘Panis Angelicus’ Lyrics and Translation
Salve Regina Latin Text and English Translation
Learn the English Translation of Liturgical Prayer, the “Kyrie”
15 Classic Instrumental Pieces for a Wedding Ceremony
Top 10 Baroque Period Composers
What Is Choral Music?
The Oratorio: History and Composers
Learn the Lyrics to “Adeste Fideles” in Latin and English
Famous Composers of the 20th Century
“Ubi Caritas” Lyrics and Translation
A Guide to the Complete English Translation of the “Gloria”
Biography of Franz Joseph Haydn, Austrian Composer
The Greatest Composers of the Classical Period
When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Cookies Settings Reject All Accept Cookies
The liturgical prayer known as the Agnus Dei is written in Latin. The words “Agnus Dei” translate into English as “Lamb of God” and it is a chant addressed to Christ. It is commonly used during Mass in the Roman Catholic Church and has been adapted into choral pieces by a number of history’s best-known composers.
The History of Agnus Dei
The Agnus Dei was introduced in the Mass by Pope Sergius (687–701). This move may have been a defiant act against the Byzantine Empire (Constantinople), who ruled that Christ shall not be depicted as an animal, in this case, a lamb. The Agnus Dei, like the Credo, was one of the last things to be added to the Mass Ordinary.
The fifth item in the Mass, Agnus Dei comes from John 1:29 and is often used during communion. Along with the Kyrie, Credo, Gloria, and Sanctus, this chant remains an integral part of the church service.
Translation of the Agnus Dei
The simplicity of Agnus Dei makes it an easy one to remember, even if you know little or no Latin. It begins with a repeating invocation and ends with a different request. During the Middle Ages, it was set to a great variety of melodies and included more acclamations than these two, which are most common.
Latin English
Agnus Dei, qui tolis peccata mundi, Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
miserere nobis. have mercy on us.
Agnus Dei, qui tolis peccata mundi, Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
dona nobis pacem. grant us peace.
Compositions With Agnus Dei
The Agnus Dei has been incorporated into countless choral and orchestral pieces of music over the years. Many well-known composers, including Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Schumann, and Verdi have added it to their mass and requiem compositions. If you listen to classical music enough, you will surely encounter Agnus Dei quite often.
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750) used it as the final movement in his monumental work, “Mass in B Minor” (1724). It is believed that this was among the last pieces he added and one of his final vocal compositions as well.
One of the better known contemporary composers to use the Agnus Dei is Samuel Barber (1910–1981). In 1967, the American composer arranged the Latin words to his most famous work, “Adagio for Strings” (1938). It was written for an eight-part chorus and retains that mournful, spiritual character of the orchestral work. As with Bach’s composition, it is a very moving piece of music.
Sources
Randel (Editor), Don Michael. “The Harvard Dictionary of Music." Harvard University Press. 2003.Wolff, Christoph. “Bach: Essays on His Life and Music.” Harvard University Press. 1991.
The liturgical prayer known as the Agnus Dei is written in Latin. The words “Agnus Dei” translate into English as “Lamb of God” and it is a chant addressed to Christ. It is commonly used during Mass in the Roman Catholic Church and has been adapted into choral pieces by a number of history’s best-known composers.
The History of Agnus Dei
The Agnus Dei was introduced in the Mass by Pope Sergius (687–701). This move may have been a defiant act against the Byzantine Empire (Constantinople), who ruled that Christ shall not be depicted as an animal, in this case, a lamb. The Agnus Dei, like the Credo, was one of the last things to be added to the Mass Ordinary.
The fifth item in the Mass, Agnus Dei comes from John 1:29 and is often used during communion. Along with the Kyrie, Credo, Gloria, and Sanctus, this chant remains an integral part of the church service.
Translation of the Agnus Dei
The simplicity of Agnus Dei makes it an easy one to remember, even if you know little or no Latin. It begins with a repeating invocation and ends with a different request. During the Middle Ages, it was set to a great variety of melodies and included more acclamations than these two, which are most common.
Latin English
Agnus Dei, qui tolis peccata mundi, Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
miserere nobis. have mercy on us.
Agnus Dei, qui tolis peccata mundi, Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
dona nobis pacem. grant us peace.
Compositions With Agnus Dei
The Agnus Dei has been incorporated into countless choral and orchestral pieces of music over the years. Many well-known composers, including Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Schumann, and Verdi have added it to their mass and requiem compositions. If you listen to classical music enough, you will surely encounter Agnus Dei quite often.
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750) used it as the final movement in his monumental work, “Mass in B Minor” (1724). It is believed that this was among the last pieces he added and one of his final vocal compositions as well.
One of the better known contemporary composers to use the Agnus Dei is Samuel Barber (1910–1981). In 1967, the American composer arranged the Latin words to his most famous work, “Adagio for Strings” (1938). It was written for an eight-part chorus and retains that mournful, spiritual character of the orchestral work. As with Bach’s composition, it is a very moving piece of music.
Sources
Randel (Editor), Don Michael. “The Harvard Dictionary of Music." Harvard University Press. 2003.Wolff, Christoph. “Bach: Essays on His Life and Music.” Harvard University Press. 1991.
Compositions With Agnus Dei
The Agnus Dei has been incorporated into countless choral and orchestral pieces of music over the years. Many well-known composers, including Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Schumann, and Verdi have added it to their mass and requiem compositions. If you listen to classical music enough, you will surely encounter Agnus Dei quite often.
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750) used it as the final movement in his monumental work, “Mass in B Minor” (1724). It is believed that this was among the last pieces he added and one of his final vocal compositions as well.
One of the better known contemporary composers to use the Agnus Dei is Samuel Barber (1910–1981). In 1967, the American composer arranged the Latin words to his most famous work, “Adagio for Strings” (1938). It was written for an eight-part chorus and retains that mournful, spiritual character of the orchestral work. As with Bach’s composition, it is a very moving piece of music.
Sources
Randel (Editor), Don Michael. “The Harvard Dictionary of Music." Harvard University Press. 2003.Wolff, Christoph. “Bach: Essays on His Life and Music.” Harvard University Press. 1991.
What is the translation of the “Credo”?
English Translation of the Latin Song “Benedictus”
Pie Jesu Lyrics, English Text Translation, and History
‘Panis Angelicus’ Lyrics and Translation
Salve Regina Latin Text and English Translation
Learn the English Translation of Liturgical Prayer, the “Kyrie”
15 Classic Instrumental Pieces for a Wedding Ceremony
Top 10 Baroque Period Composers
What Is Choral Music?
The Oratorio: History and Composers
Learn the Lyrics to “Adeste Fideles” in Latin and English
Famous Composers of the 20th Century
“Ubi Caritas” Lyrics and Translation
A Guide to the Complete English Translation of the “Gloria”
Biography of Franz Joseph Haydn, Austrian Composer
The Greatest Composers of the Classical Period
What is the translation of the “Credo”?
What is the translation of the “Credo”?
English Translation of the Latin Song “Benedictus”
English Translation of the Latin Song “Benedictus”
Pie Jesu Lyrics, English Text Translation, and History
Pie Jesu Lyrics, English Text Translation, and History
‘Panis Angelicus’ Lyrics and Translation
‘Panis Angelicus’ Lyrics and Translation
Salve Regina Latin Text and English Translation
Salve Regina Latin Text and English Translation
Learn the English Translation of Liturgical Prayer, the “Kyrie”
Learn the English Translation of Liturgical Prayer, the “Kyrie”
15 Classic Instrumental Pieces for a Wedding Ceremony
15 Classic Instrumental Pieces for a Wedding Ceremony
Top 10 Baroque Period Composers
Top 10 Baroque Period Composers
What Is Choral Music?
What Is Choral Music?
The Oratorio: History and Composers
The Oratorio: History and Composers
Learn the Lyrics to “Adeste Fideles” in Latin and English
Learn the Lyrics to “Adeste Fideles” in Latin and English
Famous Composers of the 20th Century
Famous Composers of the 20th Century
“Ubi Caritas” Lyrics and Translation
“Ubi Caritas” Lyrics and Translation
A Guide to the Complete English Translation of the “Gloria”
A Guide to the Complete English Translation of the “Gloria”
Biography of Franz Joseph Haydn, Austrian Composer
Biography of Franz Joseph Haydn, Austrian Composer
The Greatest Composers of the Classical Period
The Greatest Composers of the Classical Period
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EU Privacy
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LiveAbout is part of the Dotdash Meredith publishing family.
When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Cookies Settings Reject All Accept Cookies
