Miserere: Songs of Mercy and Redemption

The gentle beauty of Karl Jenkins’ music is the key to its power—the Welsh composer’s oratorio draws on Christian and Muslim musical and liturgical influences to mourn all who have died in Middle Eastern conflicts over the past 70 years. Jenkins’ heartfelt music combines a serenely flowing, Romantic style (“Ubi caritas,” “Panis Angelicus, Panis Hominum”) with a dancing joy (“Praise, Joy & Gladness,” “Rahma”) that brings optimism to this compelling work. The use of ancient Latin texts and Middle Eastern instruments strengthens a sense of unity and signals the cultural commonalities that bind us all. The lineup of musicians is top-notch: London-based choir Polyphony and the Britten Sinfonia are joined by harpist Catrin Finch, qanun player Maya Youssef, countertenor Iestyn Davies, and many more.