As with the history of art, the Vatican has played an important role in fostering the creation of music; and in writing music for the Catholic Church's rituals, composers like Palestrina and Monteverdi became cornerstones in the development of Western music. So it's fitting that the Vatican has decided to celebrate the Great Jubilee 2000--its commemoration of the 2,000th anniversary of the birth of Christ--with a collection of music. Magnificat includes performances of very familiar pieces of sacred music (Franck's "Panis angelicus," Gounod's "Ave Maria," and Mozart's "Ave verum," one of the most sublime pieces ever written) as well as some newly commissioned works: the "Cantico del giubileo" of Ennio Morricone (commissioned for Magnificat) and Jean-Paul Lécot's official hymn for the Jubilee. There are a couple of appearances by José Carreras, while opera star Montserrat Caballé sings the "Ave Maria" from Verdi's Otello (a secular work to be sure, but a deeply touching expression of piety). Other performers include Renato Bruson, Pietro Ballo, the Choir and Orchestra of Saint Cecilia's in Rome, Marco Frisina, and more. The message binding all these selections is one of spirituality and peace for the world. A special edition of Magnificat, including a booklet with photos and Italian texts, is also available. --Sarah Chin