O Magnum Mysterium

Instrumentation: 3 tpt in Bb, 4 hn, 3 tbn, tu

Program Notes: 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 AngelesMaster 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 stunningadaptation 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 Kingamongst the lowly animals and shepherds. This affirmation of God's grace to the meek and the adoration ofthe Blessed Virgin are celebrated in my setting through a quiet song of profound inner joy. - Morten Lauridsen