Solemn Hymn to the Black Madonna

A brief note on Pablo Casal’s infinitely noteworthy “Nigra Sum.”

In 1943, the Spanish composer Pablo Casals (1876–1973) wrote “Nigra Sum,” one of his best-known choral works and, one could argue, one of the most beautiful choral works ever written.

Like many of Casals’ compositions, the piece was designed to be sung at the famed Montserrat…