… Read Full Bio ↴Karl Jenkins (b. 17 february 1944) is a Welsh musician and composer
Jenkins was born in Penclawdd, Gower, Wales. After attending the University of Wales, Cardiff, he began postgraduate studies at the Royal Academy of Music, London.
It was in jazz that he initially made his mark. In the days of Jazz Polls he was a prolific poll winner, playing at Ronnie Scott’s club before co-forming Nucleus, which won first prize at the Montreux Jazz Festival. This was followed by a period with Soft Machine. Defying categorisation, the Softs played venues as diverse as the Proms, Carnegie Hall, and the Newport Jazz Festival.
It is perhaps for his Adiemus project and classical works for which he is best known. Adiemus has topped classical and pop charts around the world.
2002 saw the premiere of his double harp concerto Over the Stone, commissioned by HRH The Prince of Wales for the then Royal Harpist, Catrin Finch and Elinor Bennett accompanied by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.
Other projects include scoring and conducting an album of rock classics by Bonnie Tyler. In the field of advertising music Jenkins has won several industry awards. Credits include Levi’s, British Airways, Renault, Volvo, De Beers, C&G, Tag Heuer, Pepsi, and many more.
His concertante, ‘Quirk’, commissioned by the London Symphony Orchestra and conducted by Colin Davis, was premiered in February 2005, as part of its centenary season. In 2005 Jenkins composed the score for the feature film River Queen, directed by New Zealander Vincent Ward. March 2005 saw the release of his Requiem.
Jenkins' most recent work includes a work inspired by Kazakh culture and music, Tlep, which features the Finnish Adiemus singers. Also released in 2006 was Kiri Sings Karl, which includes original compositions and arrangements of other pieces, and features Kiri Te Kanawa.
* Official site
Agnus Dei
Karl Jenkins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Agnus Dei
Qui tollis peccata mundi
Miserere nobis
Agnus Dei
Agnus Dei
Agnus Dei
Agnus Dei
Agnus Dei
Qui tollis peccata mundi
Miserere nobis
Agnus Dei
Agnus Dei
Dona nobis pacem.
The lyrics of Karl Jenkins's song Agnus Dei primarily consist of the repeated words "Agnus Dei," which means "Lamb of God" in Latin. The next line, "Qui tollis peccata mundi," translates to "who takes away the sins of the world." These lines are a reference to Jesus Christ as the sacrificial lamb who takes away the sins of humanity. The final line "Miserere nobis" means "have mercy on us." Therefore, the lyrics are a prayer for forgiveness and mercy from Christ as the savior.
The last line, "Dona nobis pacem," translates to "give us peace." This line serves as a plea for peace and public welfare, potentially in reference to global unrest or political turmoil during the time the song was composed.
Line by Line Meaning
Agnus Dei
O Lamb of God
Agnus Dei
O Lamb of God
Qui tollis peccata mundi
Who takes away the sins of the world
Miserere nobis
Have mercy on us
Agnus Dei
O Lamb of God
Agnus Dei
O Lamb of God
Agnus Dei
O Lamb of God
Agnus Dei
O Lamb of God
Qui tollis peccata mundi
Who takes away the sins of the world
Miserere nobis
Have mercy on us
Agnus Dei
O Lamb of God
Agnus Dei
O Lamb of God
Dona nobis pacem
Grant us peace
Writer(s): Karl Jenkins
Contributed by Camilla T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Retta Jones
I performed the entire mass in the 90's with the choir at St James by-the -sea Episcopal Church, La Jolla, California under the excellent direction of Steve Townsend. We had the video that accompanied the music projected on a screen behind us. It is one of the most beautiful pieces I have ever sung.
Mark Steed
If ever a piece of music could evoke a sense of holiness in my soul it would be this one...
Keith Terrett
Beautiful melody and jazz influenced harmony, love the twists and turns in the harmonic syntax!
Paula Zweep
Wat een prachtige muziek het is hemels!!
Michael Angelo Fisher
Sang this in my last year at youth choir. will always have a special place in my heart.
dickpet
JUST AWESOME...LIKE AN AFTERNOON IN HEAVEN...OR A TIMELESSNESS! WHO CAN'T BE MOVED BY THIS UPLIFTING CHOIR OF ANGELS AND TRUMPETERS!!! WE ARE...AND SO BLESSED TO HEAR THIS OVER AND OVER...AND OVER...ENDLESSLY!! PURE SANCTUS!
Keith Terrett
Absolutely georgious Agnus Dei from the master, I am speechless! Great melody, orchestration, lryics and harmony.
ishta864
Lindo...música do céu !
Greg O'Brien
Absolute bliss.
Maria Powell
It was amazing to be part of this recording session. Thank you.