O Magnum Mysterium

On this choral piece I have merge two sources that refer to the same biblical scene: The birth of Jesus. On one hand the traditional liturgical 'O MAGNUM MYSTERIUM', responsorial chant from the Matins of Christmas which a great number of composers of all times have reworked into a choral setting; and on the other hand some selected verses from Chapter 2 of the Gospel according to Matthew. The liturgical Responsory evokes with awe the presence of animals that "should see the newborn Lord, lying in a manger" ending with a fervent exclamation to the Virgin "whose womb was worthy to bear Christ the Lord", whereas the biblical text describes the scene of the "magi" who have arrived in Jerusalem "from the east to homage" the new-born King. Both source combined highlight that outstanding 'MAGNUM MYSTERIUM' of a “God is with us", the “Immanuel“ ( עִמָּנוּאלֵ ), Jesus of Nazareth. The Magi, the animals, the Virgin, the new-born: My O MAGNUM MYSTERIUM wish to underscore chorally the FOUR PRESENCES of this sacred set-up.

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Digital Only (PDF)

Sacred

SSAATTBB

a capella

Latin

Vulgata (Holy Bible)

5'30

2015

109