1finch2finch's video: O Magnum Mysterium Lauridsen Choir of Wells Cathedral

The Choir of Wells Cathedral, Somerset, under the direction of Matthew Owens, perform contemporary composer Morten Lauridsen's stunning sacred motet 'O Magnum Mysterium'. The text of the motet, which has been set to music by composers such as Palestrina, Byrd, and Victoria, speaks of the beautiful juxtaposition of the supernatural—the virgin birth of God—and natural—the onlooking animals—in the Christmas nativity scene. [Latin Text: ] O magnum mysterium et admirabile sacramentum, ut animalia viderent Dominum natum jacentem in praesepio. O beata Virgo, cuius viscera meruerunt portare Dominum Jesum Christum. Alleluia! [ English Translation: ] O great mystery and wonderful sacrament, that the 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! [ Recording available on the disk 'Christmas from Wells' (Regent 2007). ]