Marriner was born in Lincoln and studied at the Royal College of Music and the Paris Conservatoire. He played the violin in the Philharmonia and London Symphony Orchestra and formed the Jacobean Ensemble with Thurston Dart before going to Hancock, Maine in the United States to study conducting with Pierre Monteux at his school there. In 1959 he founded the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields chamber orchestra and has made many recordings conducting them. He conducted the Minnesota Orchestra from 1979 to 1986 and the Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra from 1986 to 1989. He was knighted in 1985.
Marriner has conducted a range of repertoire, but is particularly noted as an interpreter of Baroque music. He selected and arranged the music used in the film Amadeus and oversaw the recording of its soundtrack at the helm of the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields.
Amongst his other recordings are two CDs of British music for Universal Classics with the British cellist Julian Lloyd Webber. These include acclaimed performances of Benjamin Britten's Cello Symphony and Sir William Walton's Cello Concerto.
Agnus Dei
Sir Neville Marriner Lyrics
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Dona eis requiem sempiternam
The lyrics of Sir Neville Marriner's song "Agnus Dei" are a direct reference to the Latin text of the Christian liturgy. "Agnus Dei" translates to "Lamb of God" in English and refers to Jesus Christ as the sacrificial lamb who takes away the sins of the world. The phrase "qui tollis peccata mundi" translates to "who takes away the sins of the world." This line emphasizes the belief that Jesus is the ultimate redeemer who grants forgiveness and liberation from sin.
The following line, "Dona eis requiem sempiternam," translates to "Grant them eternal rest." It reflects the plea for eternal peace and salvation for humanity by the Lamb of God. The song is a prayer, asking for the mercy and eternal rest that can only be bestowed by Christ. It touches on themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the hope for eternal salvation.
Overall, the lyrics of Sir Neville Marriner's "Agnus Dei" beautifully encapsulate the religious sentiment and devotion found in the Christian faith. The powerful words create a sense of reverence, humility, and yearning for divine grace and eternal peace.
Line by Line Meaning
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world
Dona eis requiem sempiternam
Grant them eternal rest
Lyrics © Histoire et Chansons, PETER PAN MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind