Adiemus (song)

"Adiemus" was written in 1994 by Karl Jenkins and premiered in a Delta Air Lines television advertisement. Jenkins chose South African singer Miriam Stockley as a lead vocalist due to her wide range of intonation and Purley resident Mary Carewe for additional vocals. The London Philharmonic Orchestra also performed.[1]

The main idea was to create a modern song using classical forms, such as rondo and ternary. The lyrics themselves have no meaning. The vocals are simply used as another instrument to make music and not to convey any message.[2] The song, written in D minor, is a mix of African-tribal and Celtic-style melodies.

the song was also used as a soundtrack within the Italian program tv Ciao Darwin.

The song is also often misattributed to Enya, primarily due to a television advertisement for Pure Moods featuring both Karl Jenkins' "Adiemus" and Enya's "Orinoco Flow".[2]

• Karl Jenkins – composer, lyrics, conductor, producer
• Miriam Stockley  – lead vocals
• Mary Carewe  – additional vocals
• Mike Ratledge – arranger (programmed percussion), producer
• Mick Taylor – flute
• London Philharmonic Orchestra - guest artists