Liturgical Latin: Sanctus, Benedictus and Agnus Dei

I was not sure what to post this week, but given the focus of this series is meant to be Latin in the Liturgy, I thought we could look at the Sanctus, Benedictus and Agnus Dei.

As ever, I encourage you to learn these by heart, if you don't know them already.

Here are some recordings:

Sanctus: William Byrd, Mass for Four Voices

Benedictus: William Byrd, Mass for Four Voices

Agnus Dei: William Byrd, Mass for Four Voices

Actually, after those sublime pieces, anything I can say feels like gilding the lily...

Still, here are the texts:

Sanctus, sanctus, sanctus Dominus Dei sabaoth.

Holy, holy, holy Lord God of hosts.

Pleni sunt caeli et terra gloria tua.

Full are heaven and earth of your glory.

Hosanna in excelsis.

Hosanna in the highest.

--

Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in excelsis.

Hosanna in the highest.

--

Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, dona nobis pacem

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, grant us peace.

I am not sure there is much new here, grammatically.  Note the imperatives miserere and dona (we have met some before). Therefore, I will take this opportunity to invite any questions on anything which we have covered so far which is not clear; and also suggestions on what you would like me to cover next (though I reserve the right not to oblige!)