This was necessary, since recordings will often include several pieces composed years apart, perhaps much more. This list is alphabetized, rather than listed in chronological order. I don't expect those who are curious about a particular title to start hunting down LPs, especially since these vinyl recordings are suddenly in great demand and prices are rising. I've also decided to limit my choices to recordings that are presently available on CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays, or digital downloads. Composers are not limited to any denomination - some are known to have been non-believers - although the music belongs to the Christian tradition. I also dithered over whether or not to make a list of 'liturgical' music, or 'mass settings,' or 'requiems.' Each of these would make interesting lists, but I chose the broader 'sacred music' with the hope that this list might be of interest to a wider spectrum of people. So the recommendations below represent a merging of both: All of the compositions are among the very best sacred music ever written, but the recorded performances succeed in communicating their extraordinary beauty. Why? No matter how fine the music, say Bach's Mass in B minor, a poor performance will leave the listener wondering where the 'greatness' went. P>WASHINGTON, DC (Catholic Online) - I started this list as the 100 Best Pieces of Sacred Music, but I decided instead to recommend specific recordings. Keywords: sacred music, best, 100, recordings,

Vivaldi stabat mater best recording