Mass for the Last Days: 05 – Agnus Dei

Mass for the Last Days:   05 – Agnus Dei;  Michael Merrill, composer

Agnus Dei

When performed together, the Sanctus ellipses into the Agnus Dei as bells join the previously a cappella choir. Reverently, the choir and soloists again call for the mercy of Christ, the Lamb of God. The soprano and tenor soloists repeat their melody from the Kyrie at the words ‘have mercy upon us,’ only now it is with joy and hope, as opposed to pain and anguish. Added in to the text is the final verse in the New Testament, with an invitation to the Lord, ‘Come, Lord Jesus.’ (Rev. 22:20) I intentionally broke away from the liturgical order as the Benedictus is introduced as part of the Agnus Dei (it is typically found accompanying the Sanctus if it is not its own movement). The shout of ‘Hosannah in the highest’ is to the tune of ‘The Spirit of God,’ a hymn celebrating the nearing day when the Lord Jesus returns to reign personally in glory.

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