O Magnum Mysterium is a chant from the Matins of Christmas. Here is a translation of the text:
O great mystery, and wonderful sacrament,
that animals should see the newborn Lord,
lying in a manger!
O blessed virgin, whose womb
was worthy to bear the Lord Jesus Christ.
Alleluia!
The chant has been sung since the middle ages, but for many composers over the centuries (and into the 20th century) it was a theme for creativity. One of the earliest settings is by Paolo Aretino(1508-1584):
A more famous later version is from Tomas Luis de Victoria (1548-1611):
Peace and Blessings.
O great mystery, and wonderful sacrament,
that animals should see the newborn Lord,
lying in a manger!
O blessed virgin, whose womb
was worthy to bear the Lord Jesus Christ.
Alleluia!
The chant has been sung since the middle ages, but for many composers over the centuries (and into the 20th century) it was a theme for creativity. One of the earliest settings is by Paolo Aretino(1508-1584):
A more famous later version is from Tomas Luis de Victoria (1548-1611):
Peace and Blessings.
