Agnus Dei — Barber Choir Sheet Music
The iconic choral transcription of Adagio for Strings, arranged for SSAATB choir by Paul Lorenz — recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra at Abbey Road Studios
“Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi…” — When Samuel Barber transcribed his Adagio for Strings into the Latin prayer in 1967, he created what many consider the most devastating choral work of the twentieth century. From the hushed opening measures to the shattering climax, this is music that transforms concert halls into sanctuaries and audiences into witnesses. It is the sound of collective grief, performed at state funerals and Good Friday liturgies alike — and it demands a score worthy of its emotional weight.
This professional Agnus Dei sheet music PDF delivers precisely that. Arranged with meticulous attention to choral balance and dynamic contour, Paul Lorenz’s edition captures the full arc of Barber’s masterpiece in a performance-ready SSAATB score. Every phrase, every breath mark, every dynamic gradation has been crafted to serve ensembles that refuse to compromise — because when you stand before your choir and raise the baton on this work, nothing less than perfection will suffice.
The Professional Choir Edition
Choir Arrangement
€39.90
The definitive SSAATB choral edition for concert halls, cathedrals, and recording sessions. Includes the complete score, individual voice parts, and a rehearsal piano reduction — ready for the stand, ready for performance.
- Complete SSAATB Choral Score
- Individual Voice Parts (Soprano I, Soprano II, Alto I, Alto II, Tenor, Bass)
- Rehearsal Piano Reduction
- Latin Text & Pronunciation Guide
- Performance Notes & Conducting Suggestions
Crafted for the Choral Podium
- MOLA-Compliant Engraving: 8.5mm staff size and 600 DPI resolution for crystal-clear reading at any distance — the same standard trusted by the London Symphony Orchestra.
- Intelligent Page Layouts: Optimized page turns and generous margins for annotations, ensuring seamless flow through Barber’s sustained legato passages.
- Rehearsal-Ready Notation: Measure numbers at every system with clearly marked rehearsal letters at the major structural landmarks of the work.
- Instant PDF Delivery: Download begins immediately after purchase — from checkout to the podium in seconds, not weeks.
- Fully Licensed Arrangement: Officially licensed through the publisher. Perform with complete legal confidence at any venue worldwide.
- Bespoke Customization Available: Need an alternative voicing or transposition? Contact us for tailored adjustments to suit your ensemble.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is included in the download?
You receive a complete, performance-ready package: the full SSAATB choral score, individually extracted voice parts for Soprano I, Soprano II, Alto I, Alto II, Tenor, and Bass, a rehearsal piano reduction, and a Latin text guide with pronunciation notes. Everything is delivered as high-resolution PDF files optimized for both screen reading and professional printing at 600 DPI.
What is the difficulty level of this arrangement?
This arrangement is designed for professional and advanced SSAATB choirs. The writing demands solid sight-reading abilities, confident intonation in chromatic passages, and experience with sustained legato singing in the Romantic tradition. It is suitable for cathedral choirs, university ensembles, and semi-professional choral societies.
Do I need a performance license for Barber’s Agnus Dei?
Your purchase includes a fully licensed arrangement by Paul Lorenz. The underlying composition by Samuel Barber remains under copyright administration by G. Schirmer. Standard performance reporting to your local performing rights organization (ASCAP, BMI, or PRS) applies for public performances, as with any copyrighted work. Your venue’s existing blanket license typically covers this.
Can the arrangement be customized for my ensemble?
Absolutely. Paul Lorenz Music offers bespoke customization services — a capability unique in the industry. Whether you need alternative voicings, transpositions, or adjustments to accommodate your specific roster, we can tailor this arrangement to your exact requirements. Contact us directly to discuss your needs.
What is your refund policy?
Due to the digital nature of our products, we cannot offer refunds once the download has been accessed. We encourage you to review the score preview carefully and contact us with any questions before purchasing.
Samuel Barber Agnus Dei SSAATB Sheet Music
