Nordic Chamber Choir - O Magnum Mysterium (M. Lauridsen)

[@marshalivingston1921]

We buried my sister yesterday. She sang this piece several times in her rich contralto. I've never been in a choir that did it, but I've learned it from You Tube, because I am ABSOLUTELY SURE when I find her in heaven, it will be in the heavenly tenor section and this will be on the repertoire. And I want to sing it with her. Miss you, Marilyn.

[@hollychartier2643]

I am heartbroken to hear that you are experencing this glory in a time of such horrific loss. But then,,,I know what this music is to me, and I rejoice that you have allowed your heart to honor the love between a parent and child. Bless you.

[@NorthToSouthChannel]

This song translates into the story of the birth of Christ... when I listen to this, it's not the generic "Christmas story" feeling... it's the feeling that something of an unfathomable greatness has happened, and yet, I'm surrounded by peace and overwhelming joy... Brings tears to my eyes every single time hear it.

[@Martin-nl7zr]

Thank you, that’s how it makes me feel.

[@paullewis3771]

Me too

[@paullewis3771]

I grew up choral and he's my favorite

[@SalemMusicNews]

YES! Spot on!

[@NorthToSouthChannel]

I posted this comment 11 years ago, when I was only 18, and I still feel exactly the same way.

[@amberdestiny18]

How can you listen to this song and not believe there's a God who created such beauty?

[@philippacarroll9714]

I always think that, when I hear Allegri"s Miserere Mea ❤

[@jeffscott2229]

Because there are very good composers who have the talent to produce this level of music. I have played it in the concert band arrangement, and love it.

[@MrKain1000]

I just heard Lauridsen talk about this piece last night at the PSU Choir concert in Portland. He mentioned the pain and suffering he went through writing it...Saying that it kept him up weeks at a time. There's only one accidental in the whole piece, and it's given to the altos. It represents Mary's suffering. Lauridsen is a genius. How he can make one note so powerful in a sea of beauty is astounding.

[@BenjaminGessel]

😊😊😊😊😊😭😭😭😊😊😊😊👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@dahawk8574]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZqYYqyKfrZ9jsU

[@michaelmcgowan6703]

That is an amazing story which will enhance how I hear forever . An old , dying musician who is reduced to his knees at every listening .... the Great Mystery of the Human Experience 🙏

[@dustyspeakers]

Whats an accidental?

[@ganthony321]

​@@dustyspeakersIn most basic terms, it would be making a note sharp or flat when the natural is in the key signature. I've not sung this piece, so I'm not sure which note has the accidental.

[@boltonwandererskings]

I want this version played at my funeral as my coffin is carried into the church. I have performed it twice and have listened to it over and over again and it gets better and more beautiful every time

[@gwhubert]

As do I sir.

[@tonyrogers7770]

I play this every night as a lullaby to my grandson following the death of my son. This brings a peace to the end of the day before the dreams that bring torment.

[@scotthopkins9458]

I am so sorry for your loss.. I too have lost someone very close to me two weeks ago. And it was my girlfriend. The love of my life. At the age of 26

[@mezzomama3]

@@scotthopkins9458 Prayer for you both. I am so sorry. 2 Cor. 5:21, Mark 1:15

[@davidkariu]

Namaste 🙏🏽

[@jamessullivan7549]

When I heard this the first time, I was broken. The loss of my son just came flowing up. It is better now, no less beautiful.

[@RobMathMiller]

Praying for you. May God comfort your heart.

[@JonathanGymAddict]

This has seriously got to be one of the best pieces of choral music ever written. Simply stunning.

[@debbiebrett6689]

At 11.30 last night, my oldest guinea pig, Percy, passed away on my lap while I gently stroked him. This beautiful music just happened to be playing on the radio as he took his last breaths. Whether it be human, cat, dog, guinea pig, mouse ........ every death of one who has been close to you is a an emotional happening.

[@flchalice8339]

Everyone better respect the amount of energy this piece takes to do. My choir sang it and my lungs felt like bursting from all the sustaining and dynamics this song takes. Bravo for the director and choir for bringing this piece to another level.

[@joannemcgrath5045]

Yes!❤

[@MusicForMedia]

The first time I ever heard this was at a live concert and I literally had tears of joy running down my cheek by the end. I simply could not comprehend the sheer beauty of the sound I was experiencing.

[@anthonyrispo1229]

I love seeing this. I share that feeling.

[@kacver]

Amen! The first time I heard this song I was so entranced, but couldn’t comprehend the lyrics. Then I found it and have been crying every time I listen/sing this song ever since. The sound and the meaning of the music is so breathtaking beautiful to be unmoved!😭🥰

[@charleslavers4563]

Amen!

[@hollychartier2643]

Good description of hearing this the first time. My first time was the prelude music played at my daughter's wedding. I sobbed my eyes out.

[@cameronmetz9933]

I cry every time. I can’t recall anything more beautiful that I’ve listened to in my life.

[@videoket]

This music is holy. (Whether we are religious or not, we can all agree that this song transcends SOMETHING!) Having this come on my playlist at a quiet moment was so beautiful.

[@michaelodonnell6078]

Yes, am confident this music is a gift from heaven. I have just heard it today for the first time and I was so moved that I suddenly realised I had tears streaming out of my eyes at the sublime magic of what I was listening to….how I have not heard it before I can’t say but I feel good that I can enjoy it from now on and will encourage people to listen to this if they’ve not had the experience. Powerful and quite spiritual I’d say.

[@TealStarSusan]

⁠@@michaelodonnell6078It is indeed a gift from heaven! I sang this as a soprano 1 in my choir in Scotland many years ago. Being immersed in the sound and being part of that sound is definitely even more..emotional, transcendent, beautiful…words fail me. And I’m sure you understand! This just is heaven! ❤

[@Marilyn4Bach]

I am basically an atheist, but this music is spiritual for anyone.

[@foxhillman]

truly the most beautiful rendition of the song which facilitated my re-conversion to Catholicism.

[@drcardinalli]

So glad you’re home, friend❣️

[@milkgaming3029]

Anyone else getting more or less constant goosebumps throughout this?

[@johnroberts8413]

+Ross Goold Buckets of tears.

[@sassmafrass]

@John Roberts: Absolutely. Exactly.

[@maryalexander8018]

Me, definitely. Every time. And I love this recording and tend to play it over and over once i get started. I have sung soprano in this

[@specialenvy24]

It makes me realise why we are human. Enough of the materialistic crud that goes on...this stuff is what matters and transcends every day life.

[@robfriar6570]

Not just goosebumps but also tears.

[@freelanceangel8962]

You don't have to be Christian to love the music. It's truly beautiful!

[@keithpeterson5127]

Christian's created such wonderful music out of their love of God in the Christ.

[@austinhernandez2716]

@@keithpeterson5127 your point? Christians also called jazz and rock and roll the devil's work

[@keithpeterson5127]

@@austinhernandez2716 Extreme right wing/fundamentalist Christians mostly but they don't like anything that is not based on morality. Don't judge all Christians equally.

[@EternalExodus]

I'm the furthest thing from a christian, and I think this is the most beautiful piece of choral music ever written.

[@cecik5578]

@@EternalExodus creatures can’t help but be drawn to their Creator…❤

[@mikezimmer999]

This guy drove his van onto a beach and wrote this. What a gift!!.,

[@sarahsays7420]

I sang this years ago as an alto 2. It's is such a beautiful song and when you experience singing it with all the other voices around you, it creates an energy like I can't even describe. Beautiful performance

[@sarakendrick3366]

Been there, done that. Truly amazing. And the alto is the most fun part to sing (in this alto's opinion...)

[@msukunda]

Sara Kendrick tenor 1 is pretty nuts too

[@sargothi]

Agreed. I sang tenor in this and it's quite an amazing feeling that can't be put into words.

[@johnfrank1774]

I never liked being a Soprano, but I've grown to accept it as it is the Highest

[@bethsharp4276]

My choir sang this two years ago. I'm a second alto too. The only thing is that it wasn't my choir two years ago so I didn't get to perform it. I really wish I had because it absolutely gorgeous and it would be an awesome experience to be a part of it.

[@Jbm0230]

I hope my brother is hearing this and more in heaven. Rest In Peace 10-15-12.

[@timowalker24]

i had the EXTREME pleasure of hearing my son's high school choir sing this one song in the in the Sistene Chapel in Rome in 2001. enough said as my eyes were so full of tears that i could not see the chapel with all of it's glorious Michelanglo art work...

[@tatianacueto6815]

tim walker what an amazing honor! That must have been truly awe inspiring.

[@martinpig7811]

This was the last piece my mother sang in her final concert, suffering from Altzeimers She died a few years later, having lived a full and beautiful life, including constant music I chose it to open her memorial service Wonderful

[@GazpachoFlannery]

I can't describe how this piece makes me feel. If I had one chance to show someone that humanity wasn't all bad, that there could be good things we make, I would use this piece. It's the most beautiful sounding song in the world. This is what good music is. This is art.

[@zoopyjoobles]

Even if I know I shall never change the masses, never transform anything permanent, all I ask is that the good things also have their place, their refuge. Richard Wagner

[@scriptmusiconline]

Mack Hintze have you listened Durufle's Tantum Ergo? I think that one is also a great Masterpiece and a beautiful sounding song for sure.

[@cristinalopezgevers5284]

This creation gives sense to life. Harmonic beauty gives hope for a better humanity

[@billblack5750]

Brilliant description of.most beutiful sound

[@HeavenlyLights]

Beautifully expressed💞

[@chipmunkjohn]

This has got to be some of the most heavenly music known to man.

[@kornstar0486]

Though He does exist, this music makes you know and feel that His presence is always there. There is a one true God

[@ABoyNamedJoe]

Beautiful. I am transported to the heavens. Glory to God.

[@misterhowe7999]

This choir's sound is like glass. I love how they maintain brightness in their tone - so many choirs focus so much on resonance that they sing in the back of the throat. This is a welcome change from that approach. The brightness really helps the dissonance to shine through. I also love how they don't seem rushed.

[@charmides898]

This is the version that my chamber choir rehearsed to and it will always and forever be the song I expect to hear when (if, not gonna lie I’m a butthole) I get to heaven

[@Bouncing_Bub]

Who knew a song I had to listen to for homework would be good

[@miketausig4205]

Your teacher, most likely😉

[@eltonprince6257]

@@miketausig4205 stole the words right outta my mouth.

[@lawrencewhyte1554]

I want to dedicate this to my paternal great grandparents, all though I never met you. You are the reason I am here. Thank you for your dedication during difficult times in the past, may you be rest in eternal peace.

[@trp8155]

Something cool that I have heard: This entire piece contains no accidentals except two; only the two G-sharps on the word "virgo," which means "virgin." Mary was pure and was chosen to bring Christ into the world, yet she suffered great pain because of it. Aside from the physical pain of childbirth, she had to witness her Son's death and suffering on the cross, which caused her unimaginable pain. Lauridsen said he wanted to highlight this pain in the tension that lies between the Alto's G-Sharp and the Soprano's A. Pretty cool musical concept.

[@amberbella13]

And those accidentals create the two most beautiful moments in the piece. It's masterful.

[@elli4210]

Singing that G# was one of my favourite parts of the piece.

[@MN-lo3xv]

The accidentals were my conductor's favorite part of the piece. Mine too, probably!

[@tatianacueto6815]

I never knew this wow! Thank you for sharing!

[@PDPickering]

It's too bad this is all a myth. Virgins don't get pregnant. There are god-man myths all over the world, and the English-speaking world tends to like the Jesus story to which you refer above.

[@grandmawatermelon]

Very Beautiful! I hear God in this song. The fact that humans can see, hear, and understand beauty proves that there is something different and remarkable about them. Normal animals cannot do that.

[@Barneymum]

I've performed this piece many times and never cease to be thrilled to hear it. Takes me back to some of the finest times in my life.

[@ianbrady1525]

What a world we live in. Incomparable beauty (this) with incomprehensible anger. Stop and listen.

[@carloskeith2337]

Goose bumps all over from this song. The feeling can't be described. Brings me to tears each time I hear it.

[@theoneeyedfool]

There are lifetimes upon lifetimes upon lifetimes worth of content here on KZbin. The best 6 minutes and 56 seconds of it all are right here.

[@drcardinalli]

What you said.

[@Angelawolf13]

This is the kind of music that I love to listen to the most! These days teens are surrounding themselves with deafening "music" that just can't replace this music in any way or form. When kids my age ask me what I like to listen to, this is it. It makes me cry, brings me peace, and fills me with serenity that I just can't find elsewhere.

[@garnettlivingston3739]

This is the best recording i have heard of this piece. The intonation and balance is incredible. Phrasing and dynamics so perfect. Congratulations

[@L1623VP]

Totally agree. In lesser hands, this fine piece can become lethargic and muddy. These singers felt this in their souls and the precision and energy come through in every note.

[@simtaylor4203]

Take a listen to Polyphony’s version. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed

[@miketausig4205]

Absolutely. I have yet to hear a better version. Especially that G#.

[@miketausig4205]

And it definitely helped that Lauridsen himself was at the piano for this recording.

[@81janbird]

An exquisite piece, and quite the most wonderful choral singing I've ever heard. On one level you can sense the many, many hours of painstaking composition and then rehearsal. On another, the music is angelic, and the voices seem to belong not to individuals, but to one source which splits like light through a prism before becoming whole again. Miraculous.

[@EternalExodus]

accurate. this transcends space and time. lauridsen tapped into something divine here.

[@81janbird]

@@EternalExodus He did indeed.

[@barbarabeavis825]

Haunting beautiful out of this world .

[@cassidypoerstel]

This is 6 minutes and 56 seconds of pure heaven. This is so gorgeous and beautiful.

[@Blue_Lugia]

I can feel some sadness when listening to this. Like when you los someone who was very important to you, you two were so close and had a strong bond (sibling, partner or best friend). It was.like the two of you were inseperatable, but then the other person passes away and you feel like you will never be yourself again and that you'll be broken for life. But then time passes, years pass and you start to heal from this loss. The person you loved will never come back, but YOU'RE still here. And you realize that you can actually feel peaceful and happy again and live with the fact that you will always miss this person, but it's possible to move on and be happy on your own.

[@attacsloth]

To me, this is one of the most divine songs written.

[@abigaildevoe]

I just got the sheet music for this at chamber singers rehearsal last night, I was curious about what it would sound like so I looked it up and found myself here. This is quite literally the most beautiful piece I've heard in my entire life. I'm so lucky to have the opportunity to perform this masterpiece.

[@keithwilks4015]

+Abby Wilson We are a lucky, fortunate ...few :)

[@mstralala75]

I think it must be life changing to sing such beauty!

[@joannaa5026]

Wait until you hear “Home Is” performed by VOCES8. I confirm it is the most beautiful song in existence

[@debbiepentland8181]

I've just heard it on classic fm. Gorgeous spine tingling. 🥀🥀

[@ericdevaughn5941]

This incredible music can communicate the Word of GOD better than any Sermon can. After listening to this many times consecutively i want to sit silently think about how to be a better human being. OR ,to lighten the mood a bit, as someone else said ,"if this ain't played at my funeral I'm not going !"

[@L1623VP]

Even as poor as this audio recording is, you can still tell how absolutely fantastic this choir is. This is easily the finest performance of this piece I've ever heard. The danger with this beautiful, languid piece in the hands of a lesser group is for it to get lethargic and muddy, but this performance remains precise and totally energized from beginning to end, from pianissimo to fortissimo. These singers felt this in their souls and every bit of it comes through in the performance. Bravo.

[@townsvillian12]

I had never heard of this magical piece until relatively recently when I heard a choir perform it in the ancient church of St Eanswyth in Folkestone, England. I almost fell out of my pew and staggered home in a cloud of wonder. My goodness me, beauty such as this is rare indeed.

[@L1623VP]

town: I read somewhere that after this piece made its debut in a performance of Lux Aeterna by the Los Angeles Masters Chorale that someone said to composer, Morton Lauridsen, "People will be singing this five hundred years from now." Can you imagine getting a greater compliment as a composer?

[@craigtalbott731]

On the evening the composition had its world premiere 25 years ago, LAMC music director (the late) Paul Salamunovich explained to the audience in attendance prior to its performance, “Until now, Victoria’s 'O Magnum Mysterium' has been the most beautiful and well recognized setting of this text composed to date. I predict that will change after tonight.”

[@WigganNuG]

@@craigtalbott731 RIP to Paul Salamunovich! He was right, so right! This piece is absolute sonic perfection for the human voice. More importantly; it gives voice to the better angels of our collective human soul. If the God's were angry with humanity, and desperate to punish us or start over again; remind them that this piece was written by one of us, and sing it to them; It may be our only salvation. .. poop joke.

[@ThatFunnyActress]

I close my eyes, listen, and I swear I am in a place as close to heaven as poets describe. My heart pulls from my chest in a yearning to return to where it belongs, but reclines again with newborn peace and hope that sounds like this will last for all eternity.

[@tonkajahari3010]

“The great mystery” is the translated Latin, I believe. This song is potently meaningful to me, because the man (my choir director) who introduced it to me lost his wife to cancer when she was only in her 40s.. and he was such a good teacher, that I’ve kept in touch for almost 20 yrs. The song is about the great mystery of the afterlife.. and I sent him this song after his wife died to hopefully give him comfort, as I was going through very hard times when he introduced the song to me and it’s still the most gorgeous piece of music ever written imo.

[@joanharris6340]

I can't find the right words! Nordic Chamber Choir are magnificent. Lauridsen's music takes my breath away and brings tears to my eyes.😪

[@elle2871]

Hands up to every Madrigal who ever loved singing this ❤

[@johnclauser7392]

Angels from heaven singing...... So beautiful

[@johnsikorski5411]

I'm wondering who the 377 people are that are not moved by this beautiful hymn giving it a thumbs down. It captures beautifully the the scene of the nativity of our Lord. "O Great Mystery" It lifts my soul.

[@InARoundaboutWay]

Currently 379 people have lost their mind...

[@markir1947]

I am dedicating this beautiful arrangement to our only son Chris who we lost this summer in a climbing accident.

[@markir1947]

+A seeker Thank you. I appreciate your kindness.

[@MsBlynn]

+mark kiryluk I am so sorry..

[@ImJustJuno]

It's not yours to dedicate. (Also sorry about your son)

[@markir1947]

+Becky Michaca Thank you .

[@markir1947]

+Juno What does that mean???

[@hondatb08]

God is good and God is beautiful. I agree with lonestarlucas in that without the belief in God, this beautiful piece of music would have never been created. I, on the other hand listen to this and instead of almost believing in God, it makes me believe more in God and the greatness that He brings to this earth. I had the privilege to perform this piece and shortly after getting the sheet music, I looked at this video. After the show ended, not one person left untouched by our performance.

[@erismurphy4206]

My choir sang this at Carnegie Hall last year. It is absolutely beautiful and brings me to tears every time I hear it. I love this song so much.

[@cosmicathesongstress7466]

Marie Willet You also went!? The choir I sang with went too! But of course I was excluded because of my anxiety... Nice.

[@peterputtock6649]

Listening to this has reminded me of the pure joy, pain and love that I felt in singing this. Luckily, I have had tthe chance to sing it a number of times, and I will cherish every rendition. Us tenors do get wonderful lines!

[@robfriar6570]

If we only knew the love God has for each one of us, we'd be transformed forever and never live the same.

[@drcardinalli]

So true❣️😭

[@Savanners]

It's as if God himself wrote this. The beauty. Whenever listening, calm and acceptance washes over me. My mind clears. I feel actual angels are singing this. Also, this is merely a minute piece of the joy, and beauty of God's love that us humans can comprehend.

[@HeavenlyLights]

Yes🙏🏻😇💞

[@WigganNuG]

Fax.

[@timothykiser1583]

I sang this beautiful piece and was blessed to feel the presence of God. A masterful rendition here.

[@DarkestFinale]

Sang this tonight. Its beauty is incomparable.

[@kirkrelf1402]

How ironic that I sought out this song after a very troubling couple of days on the anniversary of my father's passing. This song has always brought me such peace. We used to sing this in competition in high school and college. I still come back to it. My grandmother was indigenous Norwegian. So meaningful to find the Nordic choir singing this. A song from a mother on the passing of her son.

[@johnrobertson9794]

I am dedicating this hymn to Byron McGilvray and Bob Fox, two of the finest singers I have sung for and with, both Robert Shaw alumni. We celebrated Bob’s life this past weekend at Christ Church, Winnetka, IL, where Bob was bass section leader of our wonderful choir. We will be in Boston singing at Trinity Church a week from this coming Saturday. John Robertson

[@MrPoog]

This and the King's College recording are simply incredible. However, if this chamber choir was singing in a cathedral as well, there would be no comparison. This is the very, very best, by a very large margin. Absolutely gorgeous.

[@mezzosinger100]

o great mystery....our Lord and Saviour, Jesus the Christ. thank you nordic chamber choir and conductor for your interpretation.

[@kristymichel9459]

I've been looking for a version like this for so long. this song brings me too tears every time

[@orangecatman]

my high school band is learning this peice, but my band director told us flat out that no band can touch this song the way a choir can, namley this one, and boy was he right. This is amazing.

[@leahd5490]

As an Alto II, singing "Virgo" is my favorite favorite favorite part! It's so haunting and dissonant and so beautiful as it builds into the crescendo and it gives me shivers! (Dat low D tho)

[@MademoiselleCrafty]

+Leah Duff as a Soprano I, I can guarantee that hearing the altos sing that part gives me the chills. Favorite part of the song!

[@WinterSPF15]

+Leah Duff f I know exactly what you mean! I got to sing this in highscool, and it was everyone's favorite part, including my own. Chills every single time.

[@trp8155]

+Leah Duff Something cool that I have heard: This entire piece contains no accidentals except two; only the two G-sharps on the word "virgo," which means virgin. Mary was pure and was chosen to bring Christ into the world, yet she suffered great pain because of it. Aside from the physical pain of childbirth, she had to witness her Son's death and suffering on the cross, which caused her unimaginable pain. Lauridsen said he wanted to highlight this pain in the tension that lies between the Alto's G-Sharp and the Soprano's A. Pretty cool musical concept.

[@kaleyahhyuga999]

Yes, I'm an Alto 2 as well so I understand how low the most of the notes on this song can be. But, this song is so good!!! :3

[@hawrnball]

We sang this my senior year in choir, and that was always my favorite part. It still gives me chills.

[@TrazomGV]

This execution is really unique in its colour, dynamics and spiritual devotion to the performance. The choir is fascinatingly ballanced, and there is no more convincing rendition of this particular composition so far in my opinion. If M. Lauridsen had written only this one choir piece, it would be enough for the entire human world. Such choice of musical means to create such an outstanding musical product comes only when the inspiration of its author meets the moment of his higher intuitive insight in the truth telling us who we are and what our limits might be...

[@prairieflowers1]

I am a Christian and feel the presence of God in this song, too. I know this is what heaven is going to sound like (at least as close as one can come to here on earth).

[@michaelrhessmd7068]

Grateful someone shared this piece with me. Reminds me I have a soul left to stir.....

[@drcardinalli]

So beautifully put, friend. I suspect you have an exceptionally beautiful one.

[@williammunson5432]

Lauridsen makes me feel things I didn't know I could feel.

[@TheBepax]

beauty is what first draws us to God. this is beautiful

[@thomasgillespie1029]

Most beautiful music in the world. How can mere mortals create such beauty?

[@RosaGilbertHitchcock]

If God said, "You can listen to one piece of music for the rest of your life, what'll it be?" This.

[@KelliTheOperaGeek]

Or Spem in Alium. Then I'm set

[@jeffreygreiner704]

or simple song from mass

[@richardmarriott3109]

Difficult choice. I also rate 'Lo The Full Final Sacrifice' by Gerald Finzi.

[@katarzynagrzywocz1923]

Ja też tak myślę!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@VITOLLFOTOGRAFIA]

Or O Magnum Misterium by Victoria

[@tinotcg5815]

This song reminds me that there is still beauty in this world...

[@KEISEMANN16]

Balm on the soul during Covid-19 times

[@gracekiddo2136]

Honestly? Looking back I think this would have been a wiser decision for me to make.💔Balm on the soul 5 years later❤‍🩹.

[@marietaylor8144]

We are singing this for Midnight Mass. I love the lyrics and the flow of the music. How wonderful that the animals in the stable were the first to behold the Baby Jesus. What a beautiful presentation of O Magnum Mysterium.

[@jajabilox]

I am unable to ascertain exactly what this Choir and Mr. Lauridsen intended, but they have jointly succeeded in making me tear up.

[@allantravers9311]

Oh man, these notes are so close. Beautiful.

[@ianbrentnall786]

I have sung this piece numerous times with various choirs and I still experience the greatest difficulty getting through it without becoming emotionally affected. The harmonic language of the piece reaches deep inside me and truly stirs my soul to its very core. I also write music and if ever I were to find the insight, skill and imagination to write something which speaks to others as this piece speaks to me then I would regard myself as having been truly heavenly blessed.

[@cpjuggle]

Alot of people say this is too slow, but I think its the best recording i ever heard. It so colourful, controlled with amazing insight and dynamic contrasts and a really pleasure to listen to

[@saetmusic]

I had Morten Lauridsen for Freshman Music Theory at the Univ. of So. Cal in 1969. It was his first year of teaching as a graduate student TA. If I had known what beautiful music he was going to write, I might have paid more attention!

[@RoneLuvSolitude]

I sang this song as part of the Cape Town Youth Choir in 2009. My soul transcends every time I hear this song, it is so beautiful and reverent and proof that our God is a true and living God of music, love, peace and grace.

[@zandgall1837]

Well said.

[@coolprogaming538]

Hope you did it at Bishops or St Georges Cathedral with those heavenly acoustics.

[@NeliaHenning]

Roné Herbst Was daar ooit 'n opname gemaak van julle. Sal dit verskriklik graag wil hoor.

[@johannkuhne1501]

Nelia Henning Sang this at the Potchefstroom University Choir in 2003-2004. One of the most haunting ly beautiful pieces that will forever be with me.

[@RoneLuvSolitude]

Nelia, so jammer, ek sien nou eers hierdie boodskap! Ek glo nie daar was 'n opname gemaak nie. Die koor het tog wel 'n CD van Rachmaninoff se Vespers gemaak in Afrikaans wat stunning was. Mnr Leon Starker sal kopiee daarvan he**

[@mbmaccin555555]

Even though this song is a happy song, I want this played at my funeral.

[@yagizkart1]

Not a Christian (or religious even), but I can say with whole my heart that Europan Christianity, inspired by the Greco-Roman choral tradition, managed to merge art and religion together in such a way that it produced one of the most magnificent, epic and beautifull vocal concepts in the world. Biblical inspired music is a world unto itself.

[@pamelacorbett8774]

There are no words ... pure heaven.

[@edwardbak4459]

This is incredible. The balance, the ensemble, the atmosphere of wonderment and reverence, the hushed awe. It seems like there is no other way. This must be how angels sound.

[@paulelowe]

Music straight from heaven

[@gemmag.2988]

Agreed.

[@guidetoanything]

that last bass note. 10/10.

[@augustnemeth7341]

I'm playing this for my chamber orchestra and we recently found out that our teacher is leaving us. Hearing this song brings me to tears. But it's beautiful.

[@bethcolbert1255]

I first heard this piece in my car while driving to Christmas Eve service after visiting my mom in the nursing home where she now resides. The cold December night was clear and studded with stars. This piece came on the radio and brought me to tears of joy, tears of thanksgiving, tears of gratefulness for the love shown when God came to earth in human form, first appearing to the animals and shepherds. I still have to have tissues nearby when listening to it as it so moves me. Thank you to the composer, the conductor , and the singers for this special gift which will be part of my Christmas Eve tradition from now on.

[@benjim8373]

I'm a Muslim I don't understand what they're singing about but this music always attracts me, very deep and peaceful I always listen to it to meet myself.....goosebumps at 6:43

[@Victor-sh1ez]

Hello - They are singing about the one divine God that all peoples of all faiths and those who believe those who do not believe is so loved beyond all human comprehension - the one God who is so magnificent and so mysterious and who loves all of us peoples on Earth unconditionally.

[@mateojames3231]

It’s about the Birth of Christ and how the animals and people should come and see the child and the virgin mother in the manger.

[@ZinkZoodles]

BEN JIM same! I’m a Muslim but I sing this in choir (non-religious choir) and just the voices are so amazing!

[@drcardinalli]

Hi friends! Actually, it seems they are singing about something even more amazing and specific. This piece expresses awe at the incomprehensible mystery that the all-powerful God should humble Himself so enormously in two ways: one, to be born as a little child, in our world so poor that even animals may look upon Him, and two, to come to us similarly in the Sacrament of His Body and Blood, even tinier, more vulnerable and humble than a child. Especially if you're Muslim, you might not be familiar with these Catholic beliefs as the reason we sing about our minds being blown! The sad thing is, lots of Catholics aren't familiar with them either, or have somehow become indifferent. Thank God for art like this to remind us! 💘 PS. Here's some info, or look up Real Presence and Eucharistic Miracles on your own: kzbin.info/www/bejne/foqmkHukbdF2fZI kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnrLZpuIocenqrc

[@craigtalbott731]

O great mystery, and wonderful sacrament, that animals should see the newborn Lord, lying in a manger! Blessed is the virgin whose womb was worthy to bear the Lord, Jesus Christ. Alleluia!

[@chardieharrison]

I do not consider myself religious, but this music makes me feel that God and angels are here with us.

[@gemmag.2988]

That is intentional!

[@drcardinalli]

They are, friend. ❤

[@christofpsarros3384]

and to all Your people give Your heavenly Grace....

[@RogeneB]

I have been out of college for over 25 years, but listening to this recording takes me right back to University of South Dakota Choir, with Larry Torkelson leading us. I miss you Mr. T.

[@BushyHairedStranger]

Dr. William “Bill” Richards, at John’s Hopkins introduced this beautiful song to me. This song was used at Spring Grove during many of the early DET treatments that cure Alcoholism.

[@Mattchudon]

I sung this piece as tenor 1 a few years ago with my college's concert choir. I might be biased, but the tenor 1s have the most awesome and most chilling part in this piece. It was hard for me to hold my bearings and not burst into tears during that soaring passage at around 4:39. This is a divine work of art that will forever be in my soul.

[@SkiDaBird]

I sang multiple Soprano and Bass parts and I agree, the Tenors have the best lines.

[@kateannvukovich6928]

Respectfully, I disagree--the alto II part is truly spectacular. :) honestly, though--I remember talking about singing this with other members of my choir, and we all honestly thought our own lines were the best! Which was not usually the case. :p

[@westindianson00]

This song moves my soul whenever I hear it. I too sang tenor and I always cried when signing this. Wonderful song.

[@alicesedgwick7825]

Naaah I was an alto and we have the gorgeous g sharp on 'virgo', we bragged about that for months :')

[@nantalagafirma3334]

Alice Sedgwick Alice your too right. As an alto i also bragged about our parts... :-)

[@fuddrucker4567]

There may not be an abundance of chord types, but the elisions and suspensions are what make it come to life.

[@mrjmay07]

This is one of the most gorgeous chorale pieces ever written. Beautiful job Morton on capturing the beauty of life and showing us just how precious every second is.

[@fflambeauutube]

Superb. Makes one think of the infinite. Lauridsen is probably one the world's greatest living composers.

[@MsGettingBetter]

I used to listen to this all the time like 10 years ago and then I lost my KZbin account.. I just got it back today.. recently I have been going through a lot.. my grandmother passed away. And this is so healing

[@trptmbalmer]

Positively breathtaking. The community band I perform with is playing H. Robert Reynolds' arrangement of this and I have to say, I thought the band version was beautiful - the choral version is positively mindboggling. Thank you for sharing this with us.