17th Movement: Agnus Dei
The seventeenth movement of the Requiem, Agnus Dei, is accompanied by a video tour of the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims in Reims, France.
Agnus Dei, like each of the composition's 24 movements, was inspired by the beauty and grandeur of some of the world's great cathedrals and churches.
The Text Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) In the Eucharist, the Agnus Dei is traditionally sung at the Fraction, that is, at the breaking of the bread over the chalice before distribution to the congregation. It is derived from the words of John the Baptist in John 1:29: "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"
The Composition The Agnus Dei is scored for boys, tenors, and strings (24 violins, 8 violas, 8 cellos, and 6 double basses),
Latin Text and English Translation
Agnus Dei, qui tollis pecatta mundi,
misereatur.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi,
dona eis pacem
O Lamb of God, that takes away the sins of the world,
have mercy upon them.
O Lamb of God, that takes away the sins of the world,
Grant them peace.
