In
light of Christmas this week, I thought it would be appropriate to contemplate
the beauty and meaning in an ancient Christmas text, O magnum mysterium. Below you can read the English translation of
this text and then I’ve followed it with five musical settings. Which is your
favorite, or do you have another favorite that is not listed here?
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!
Morton
Lauridsen
William
Byrd
Tomás
Luis de Victoria
Giovanni
Pierluigi da Palestrina
Francis
Poulenc
Here
is a list of upcoming Christmas specials on 90.9 WGUC to accompany your holiday
activities!
Tuesday, December 23, 7:00 PM
St.
Olaf Christmas Festival: A service in song and word that has become one of the
nation’s most cherished holiday celebrations. The festival includes hymns,
carols, choral works, and orchestral selections celebrating the Nativity and
featuring more than 500 student musicians who are members of five choirs and
the St. Olaf Orchestra.
Wednesday, December 24, 10:00 AM
A
Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols: Hosted by Michael Barone, this is a live
stereo music and spoken-word broadcast from the chapel of King's College in
Cambridge, England. The 30-voice King's College Choir performs the legendary Festival
of Nine Lessons and Carols service of Biblical readings and music.
Wednesday, December 24, 6:00 PM
A
Chanticleer Christmas: Nothing signals the beginning of the holiday season like
12 men singing in beautifully blended harmony. A Chanticleer Christmas is
American Public Media's one-hour celebration of the season as told through the
glorious voices of Chanticleer, the San Francisco-based men's choir. The program spans the globe and the centuries
— from England in the 1300s to new arrangements of classic and contemporary
carols to Chanticleer's popular Gospel medley of Christmas tunes.
Thursday, December 25, 6:00 PM
A
Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols: ENCORE
