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O Magnum Mysterium
Morten Lauridsen/trans. by H. Robert Reynolds
O Magnum Mysterium To quote the composer, “For centuries, composers have been inspired by the beautiful O Magnum Mysterium text (“O Great Mystery”) depicting the birth of the newborn King amongst the lowly animals and shepherds. This affirmation of God's grace to the meek and the adoration of the Blessed Virgin are celebrated ... through a quiet song of profound inner joy.”
Morton Lauridsen (b. 1943), Professor of Composition at the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California, is noted for his many vocal works. O Magnum Mysterium has become one of the world’s most performed and recorded compositions since its premiere in 1994 by the Los Angeles Master Chorale. The symphonic wind band version was arranged by H. Robert Reynolds, Principal Conductor of the Wind Ensemble at the Thornton School of Music and former Director of Bands at the University of Michigan.
Last updated on January 1, 2013 by Palatine Concert Band