The best-known version of this ancient Christmas matins hymn may be that of Tomas Luis de Victoria, but American composer Morten Johannes Lauridsen's lovely setting movingly conveys the spirit of the text:
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!
This is truly a masterful work--I was introduced to it a number of years ago when my wife's choir sang this. Amazing.
ReplyDeleteDavid(s),
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!
You may want to hear Lauridsen's
"O Lux Eterna" (Light Eternal)
Perfect for today - the Feast of Epiphany.
Michael Borgert