O Magnum Mysterium

Description

Voice, Piano — O Magnum Mysterium, commissioned by Marshall Rutter in honor of his wife, Terry Knowles, has had several thousand performances throughout the world and dozens of recordings since its 1994 premiere by the Los Angeles Master Chorale. I have also arranged the work for solo voice and piano or organ (recorded on Northwest Journey by Jane Thorngren accompanied by the composer), men's chorus and brass ensemble; H. Robert Reynold's stunning adaptation for symphonic winds was recently premiered in Minneapolis by the Thornton Wind Symphony. For centuries, composers have been inspired by the beautiful O Magnum Mysterium text depicting the birth of the new-born King amongst the lowly animals and shepherds. This affirmation of God's grace to the meek and the adoration of the Blessed Virgin are celebrated in my setting through a quiet song of profound inner joy. – Morten Lauridsen The original choral version of O Magnum Mysterium was commissioned by Marshall Rutter in honor of his wife, Terry Knowles, and premiered December 18, 1994 by the Los Angeles Master Chorale, conducted by Paul Salamunovich. The version for voice and piano was premiered on November 22, 1999, by soprano Jama Laurent with the composer at the piano. Soprano Jane Thorngren, accompanied by the composer, has recorded O Magnum Mysterium on the compact disc “Lauridsen – Northwest Journey” (RCM). Additional recordings are by Paul Laurence Fletcher and organist Donald Funk on “Sure On This Shining Night – Voce Sings Lauridsen” and Jeremy Huw Williams and pianist Paula Fan on “Prayer – The Songs of Morten Lauridsen.”