Next to Bach, where he belongs. This is also a huge bargain, with five of Ockeghem's masses performed by the Clerks' Group, who have dedicated their skills to this challenging composer.

This is a consoling performance of Mozart's Requiem, and perhaps consolation is the truest purpose of both music and religion.

There are many good CDs of the Brahms Requiem. This excellent performance carries a consoling price tag.

The Sixteen's "big choir" sound serves Victoria well.

There are lots of CDs of Arvo Part these days. In short, he's been discovered, but don't hold that against him. His works bear repeated listening, unlike most minimalists, and show emotional depths that invite interpretations by many performers.

One of the best CDs of Renaissanc vocal music ever recorded.

Music to match the Sistine Chapel.

Cozzolani may have been the greatest woman composer of European history.

The many performances of CHANT by Ensemble Organum are easily the most interesting and moving available, though I speak from experience in saying that chant is always more profound when heard in a Romanesque chapel.

The pilgrimage trail from Le Puy to Conques (part of the route to Compostela) is beautiful and tranquil enough to make one lament the degeneration of the religious impulse into mere bigotry and self-satisfaction. I've done it; it was the best hike of my life. Now you could take your i-Pod and hear pilgrimage music all the way.

Lutherans, I haven't forgotten you, but most of you have forgotten your greatest composers aside from Bach: Senfl, Stoltzer, and especially Heinrich Schuetz!

No, I can't get away with omitting the Messiah. This is a splendid performance, but only one of many. You probably already have a favorite.