O Magnum Mysterium

by

William Copper

Chorus SATB with Chamber Orchestra

Chorus SATB with Piano

Chorus SATB a cappella

Perusals, recordings, video, and order information below

O great mystery. New setting of ancient Christmas text for choir SATB and small orchestra or chorus a cappella. Polyphony in an almost renaissance style, but with harmonic freedom to reach a modern dissonant exultant ending. Illustrates how many of the principles of older music can be made to work in new music, even the notion of "Tempus Perfectus", where the music moves faster in a triple meter. Example of the techniques of Intonalism. Orchestra or piano accompaniment quite independent from the vocal parts; probably an easier piece with accompaniment than a cappella. Duration 4'33" accompanied, under 4 minutes a cappella.

By the composer of Lovelife Dances and the oratorio Moses Facing Jordan

    O magnum mysterium et admirabile sacramentum    
    ut animalia viderent Dominum natum                
    jacentem in praesepio.

    Beata virgo cujus viscera                
    meruerunt portare Dominum Christum.
    Alleluia.               

  
       Literal translation:
           O great mystery and wonderful sacrament 
           That animals see the Lord born 
           Lying in a manger.
        
           Blessed virgin whose womb
           Was worthy to bear Lord Christ. 
           Alleluia.
	

Editions Available

	HGI #0384 Copper/ O Magnum Mysterium Chorus SATB A cappella $3.99	HGI #0584 Copper/ O Magnum Mysterium Chorus SATB Orchestra $42.50	HGI #0586 Copper/ O Magnum Mysterium Chorus SATB Piano Reduction $4.99
	#0386 A cappella (Perusal, PDF)	#0584 Orchestral Score (Perusal, PDF)	#0586 Vocal Score (Perusal, PDF)
	Orchestra parts purchase or rental on request.

Recordings

• Chorus and Orchestra
• Chorus a cappella

Score Video

• O Magnum Mysterium Orchestra recording with video vocal score.

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