O Magnum Mysterium

• Composer: Santiago Veros 
• Publisher: contact the composer
• Canadian Work: No
• Duration: 4:40

Program Notes:

This well-loved Latin text is about what a miracle it was that animals were present at the birth of Christ. This is a dramatic and challenging a cappella setting by Argentinean composer Santiago Veros.

Conductor Notes:

This setting of O Magnum Mysterium is both very challenging and rewarding. With huge ranges of tessitura, dynamics, and tempo, it is more like a landscape than a setting of the text. It provided a powerful high point of tension in our concert and one could tell the audience was engaged in its drama. SSAA with divisi and a soprano soloist at the beginning and end. Not recommended for children’s choirs due to the extreme vocal ranges on both ends.

References:

This lists any discs, concerts or collections where this piece is included.

Collections:

• A Cappella Works
• Christmas Music

Concerts:

• Chez Nous: Christmas with Elektra (2019)

Text

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

Translation

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