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December 18, 2007
The Gift of Music - Lauridsen's O Magnum Mysterium
I was just listening to MPR before dinner and heard a recording of Morton Lauridsen's "O Magnum Mysterium" sung by the Dale Warland Singers. I cranked it up full blast and luxuriated in the sound. I have sung this a few times, first at St. Marks, and it moves me every time. Today is the anniversary of its first performance -- December 18, 1994. Not that long ago. Just a blink in the history of music.
So I set out to find a YouTube of it as a Christmas gift to my readers. And here it is. There were several to choose from, but I liked this one the best because of the sound and the group's obvious sincerity, even though it's a home-made video. Note that the singers have memorized the music and are singing with men and women interspersed. Both of these allow and require them to watch and listen with every ounce of energy available. It worked.
The YouTube site didn't provide a lot of information, but it appears to be the UST Alumni Singers, under the direction of Allan Diona Sims - performing at the Hollywood Festival 2006. Not sure what "UST" stands for. If anyone knows, let me know.
In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this and can take a moment to reflect on the mystery and wonder of Christmas.
[Caution: the applause at the end breaks the spell, so be prepared to exit quickly after the last chord]
Here are the words, by the way.
O magnum mysterium, et admirable sacramentum, ut animalia viderent Dominum natum, jacentum in praesepio!
Beata Virgo, cujus viscera meruerunt portare Dominum Christum. Alleluia!
O great mystery, and wondrous sacrament, that animals should see the newborn Lord, lying in their manger!
Blessed is the Virgin whose womb was worthy to bear the Lord Jesus Christ. Alleluia!
Posted by hgroteva at December 18, 2007 5:06 PM | Choral Music