O Magnum Mysterium

O Magnum Mysterium has become a regular on high school choral music repertoire lists across the country and rightfully so. It is quite beautiful in its deceptive simplicity. Morten Lauridsen composed this version of the original responsorial chant from the Matins of Christmas and has given it a timeless quality even though it is quite contemporary. I can't wait to perform this one again. Enjoy this recording from the Chorus Paulinus on May 27, 2001 @ The Performing Arts Center in San Luis Obispo, California. I have included the Latin and English texts so right for this advent season below.



Latin text

O magnum mysterium,
et admirabile sacramentum,
ut animalia viderent Dominum natum,
jacentem in praesepio!
Beata Virgo, cujus viscera
meruerunt portare
Dominum Christum.
Alleluia.

English translation

O great mystery,
and wonderful sacrament,
that animals should see the new-born Lord,
lying in a manger!
Blessed is the Virgin whose womb
was worthy to bear
Christ the Lord.
Alleluia!