O Magnum Mysterium

Oh, how great the mystery. Oh, how wonderful it is that our Lord came into this world. Oh, how beautiful is this sacrament. This Christmas piece takes the beautiful text of O Magnum Mysterium from the Roman Breviary and places it within a simple, graceful chorale style. Written for voices and piano, with a descant that rises later in the piece, the setting begins quietly and prayerfully before opening into a fuller expression of praise. When writing this piece, I was not thinking of a powerhouse, over-the-top Christmas anthem. I was thinking more of the gentle Lord in the manger, simply resting there in silence. The melodies are simple, with warm harmonies and beautiful suspensions that help bring out the mystery and tenderness of the text. This piece is perfect for Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, when the lights of the church are dimmed and everyone is waiting for the coming of our Lord. It is meant to capture the quiet beauty of that holy night. O Magnum Mysterium — how great the mystery.