Composer

:

Colin Mawby

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

4:15

"O magnum mysterium" is a choral work composed by Colin Mawby, a British composer and conductor, in 1986. The piece was premiered in the same year by the choir of Westminster Cathedral, London, under the direction of James O'Donnell. The work is written for four-part choir (SATB) and is divided into three movements. The first movement begins with a unison chant-like melody in the tenor section, which is then taken up by the other voices. The music is characterized by its rich harmonies and lush textures, which create a sense of awe and wonder. The second movement is more subdued, with a gentle melody in the soprano section accompanied by a simple harmonic progression in the other voices. The final movement returns to the grandeur of the opening, with a soaring melody in the soprano section and a powerful climax in the final bars. The text of "O magnum mysterium" is a Latin Christmas antiphon that celebrates the mystery of the Incarnation. The words express wonder and awe at the birth of Christ, and the music reflects this sense of reverence and joy. Mawby's setting of the text is characterized by its lush harmonies, soaring melodies, and rich textures, which create a sense of grandeur and majesty. Overall, "O magnum mysterium" is a beautiful and powerful choral work that captures the wonder and awe of the Christmas season. Its rich harmonies and lush textures make it a favorite among choirs and audiences alike, and it continues to be performed and enjoyed around the world.

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