Thinking back on what Julien St. Pierre originally wrote:

>What I really enjoy is a choral piece with rich accompanying music.
>Perhaps something you hear in a movie....Also, I am not as much of a
>fan of pieces that portray "happiness", so to speak, but rather - one
>that portrays other emotion.  For example, I believe it is called Adagio
>for Strings, by Samuel Barber, is one that really appeals to me.  I was
>wondering if anyone has any ideas on which vocal and choral peices (but
>not limited to) I should to look into, or which composer sounds to fit
>my taste.

Recommendations to fit these preferences can be found in just about
any era.  One work that may be not so elegaic (but a little bit more
festive)yet represents the best of an earlier era than what's been
suggested so far is the Monteverdi Vespers of 1610.  A pretty good display
for both choral and instrumental virtuosity, and it sounds great in the
right sort of acoustic environment.

Music of a similar vein can be found in any of the "reconstructive"
recordings done by the Gabrieli Consort and Players, led by Paul McCreesh.

Bill H.