Composer

:

Morten Lauridsen

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

5:56

'O Magnum Mysterium' is a choral work composed by Morten Lauridsen in 1994. It was premiered by the Los Angeles Master Chorale in December of the same year. The piece has since become one of Lauridsen's most popular and frequently performed works. The piece is composed of four movements, each of which sets a different text related to the Christmas story. The first movement sets the text of the title, 'O Magnum Mysterium', which translates to 'O great mystery'. The second movement sets the text 'Quem vidistis, pastores?' ('Whom did you see, shepherds?'), the third sets 'Hodie Christus natus est' ('Today Christ is born'), and the fourth sets 'Magi videntes stellam' ('The wise men seeing the star'). Lauridsen's setting of these texts is characterized by lush harmonies and a sense of reverence and awe. The music is often slow and contemplative, with long, sustained chords and a focus on the beauty of the vocal lines. The piano accompaniment is also an important part of the piece, providing a rich harmonic foundation and adding to the overall sense of warmth and depth. Overall, 'O Magnum Mysterium' is a beautiful and moving work that captures the wonder and mystery of the Christmas story. Its popularity and frequent performances are a testament to Lauridsen's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that speaks to people on a deep emotional level.

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