Winchester Cathedral Choir - O Magnum Mysterium

Winchester Cathedral Choir sing Morten Lauridsen's hauntingly beautiful O Magnum Mysterium.
O magnum mysterium
et admirabile sacramentum,
ut animalia viderent Dominum natum,
jacentem in præsepio.
Beata virgo, cujus viscera meruerunt
portare Dominum Christum, Alleluia!
Translation:
O great mystery
and wondrous sacrament,
that animals should see the newborn Lord
lying in their manger.
Blessed is the Virgin whose womb was worthy
to bear the Lord Jesus Christ. Alleluia!

[@carolepoll8897]

My father died 4days ago, it is so, so beautiful that I shall have it at his funeral.A taste of heaven.

[@lenny1680]

Blessings to you. Christmases eventually get easier after such losses but there are moments and you'll have a few. Listening to this......wow. I spent a lot of time in funeral homes as a child around Christmas and some of the memories still haunt me but your dad is celebrating with you, as you know. Merry Christmas!

[@hazelsoutham2442]

Wept at the cathedral today hearing this. Wept again listening just now. Wow. What beauty. What a concept. Who said Christmas was about shopping?

[@stevebrennan1309]

8 years later I'm weeping again/still. THIS is Christmas.

[@Warcrimeenthusiast]

I am weeping listening and its August

[@zeusincoming282]

The retailers said it was

[@zeusincoming282]

It's not about shopping, it's about giving. And where your heart is while giving makes a world of difference. We should give to uplift Christ, not ourselves!

[@matteach2]

The best day of my life March 17, 2006 was when I as a substitute teacher had the opportunity to lead a high school choir in this song. That day was the last of good days for about three turbulent years. God prepared me for the adversity. This song became my anchor to Christ who supported me through my own Gethsemane. Christ lives and is real. He is always there we just have to allow him to steer us in the right direction. I like to revisit this song to remind me of the strength I feel from Jesus.

[@cynthiadCarvalho]

That's a really beautiful testimony♡ Hope that you may forever enjoy Christ's glory!

[@matteach2]

Thank you, I believe what St. Paul said in Galatians: "I am crucified with Christ, yet still I live. . . . "

[@kestrelmuse]

Your testimony is wonderfu..... beautifull.

[@sutherland1076]

M

[@Linda-iw7bk]

Bless you I hope you now have a long season of clear shining after rain as one of the hymns in the Episcopal hymnal sing.

[@prudencenoble1131]

The composer of this masterful piece, Morten Lauridsen, an American from the Pacific Northwest who taught composition/theory at USC for some 30-40 years, wrote O Magnum Mysterium for Paul Salamunovich, a great conductor, and the Los Angeles Master Chorale. I believe it was their first collaboration and it was dynamite. Lauridsen has retired that post, but not likely to be forgotten for a long, long time to come. The LA Master Chorale continues to be superb. Greatness is in your country too.

[@townsvillian12]

Yes, I wonder what Mr Lauridsen felt when he realised what a wonder he had created. God bless him.

[@nlaws1234]

What a beautiful ethereal version done by an amazingly gifted choir. May Jesus Christ receive all the praise and glory through this awe inspiring music!

[@maryevans]

Nathanael Laws amen my brother praise our heavenly king blessings be upon u xx

[@awakeamericanow]

For those, who as boys, were able to blend our young voices probably, like me never knew how blessed we were or how rich the memories would be.

[@tigress4960]

We have to remember these are young boys singing so beautifully when we make our comments. They are brilliant. I always imagine this is the music they sing in heaven. It touches my heart.

[@Jimbowinch]

tigress4960 It certainly touches my heart as I have the privilege of visiting Winchester Cathedral the Saturday before Advent Sunday for the Advent Procession Service .... absolute magic!

[@Jimbowinch]

Your comment has brought gladness to my heart. As a 'Friend' of Winchester Cathedral I will be attending the Advent Carol Service in the Cathedral this coming Saturday 1 December. It is for certain, as in other years, at the conclusion of the Service I will depart from the Cathedral with that rich sound of the Choir ringing in my ears.

[@Jmbrad94]

Such pure straight tone. Stunningly beautiful. This music transcends taste and gets to the heart of what it is to be human: the love of beauty.

[@Beleiveable1]

Oh great mysterious one, this song embodies everything one can feel as a Christian. Beautiful, absolutely beautiful.

[@davidmace3716]

This is one piece of music that always leaves me in tears at it's sheer beauty

[@Jimbowinch]

Out of the 43 Anglican Cathedral Choirs in the UK .... this one is simply the best! My annual visit to the Cathedral to hear the Choir sing at the Advent Carol Service sends me into another world. God bless you all.

[@MistapolloDom]

The one guy hitting that low D needed to take a breath before that note and he would have been golden. I was the only one in my choir able to hit it, great job people.

[@JeffL57]

Sounds as if you don't appreciate high quality music when it is presented to you. This is simply an exquisite interpretation of this composition.

[@gordywestmids]

A note to the correspondent who criticised the singing of the lay clerks. Winchester Cathedral is one of the largest churches in England with the longest nave and greatest overall length of any Gothic building in Europe. Perhaps the placing of the microphones distorted the mens' singing but that aside, singing in such a large building is very much a matter of judgement. The Old Minster at Winchester, founded in AD 642 was demolished and the cathedral on the present site, founded in 1079, was dedicated on the 8th April 1083. The choir consists of 22 boys, all boarders at the neighbouring Pilgrims School and 12 lay clerks.

[@ginochiavacci1757]

Hear! Hear!!! Absolutely!!!!!!! God bless them...and all the wonderful choirs wherever they may be.... 🌎🌍🌏

[@LadyofSarbath]

That high G at 4:33 always jerks tears out of me. Actually, the tears seemingly force their way out of my eyes, whether I want them to or not. This is the only recording of this song that does that to me. I had the opportunity to sing this before but it never gets old.

[@jiloml75]

Absolutely wonderful,,very moving. Thank you for posting this compilation. I do wish I was still a Treble chorister! I miss my old treble voice greatly! This piece makes me cry, it's so beautiful!

[@RS-vp1fr]

Heavenly harmony of all male choir, angelic faces of boys and this marvelous architecture! Incredible Beauty!!! I hope this first class choir still keeps this traditional form! Once a mixed choir is allowed, this perfect unity will disappear without a trace.

[@MrSwadds]

Funny it takes a CoE choir to magnify a Roman Catholic masterpiece. As a RC faithful I wish my Church had the choirs that the CoE has. A worthy lesson to be learned from our Anglican brothers!

[@Linda-iw7bk]

Look up the current Maury Piney site and the other Maury Piney anon name for several priests of what happened at Vatican II called the plot against the church the one who started SSPX has some interesting things to say about the destruction of the church in just 14 years after vatican ii and said someday someone will have to answer for this. Unfortunately there are some many pedophile scandal from the COE

[@joesoy9185]

The HQ of the Roman Catholic Church UK is Westminster Cathedral, London.. They have a very good live recording during Midnight Mass on youtube.

[@timstone5168]

Morten Lauridsen was a Roman Catholic? Who knew. That name couldn't be more Lutheran.

[@jwatson154]

@@timstone5168 He's not Roman Catholic, (I think he is Lutheran as you say) but O Magnum Mysterium was a Gregorian chant chanted by monks during the office of matins on Christmas morning, hence it is a Catholic piece set to this music composed by Lauridsen. The music and the words fit so well together that I think they have found a home in each other, and were probably divinely intended for each other by the Spirit.

[@swerveon]

This one is always my favourite. Kings has a great one as well but this one is vocally more raw perfect and dramatic. For anyone that criticizes they best be able to perform much better in they're own ensemble.

[@gwalaus]

Perfect tempo. The rest of the world simply rushes it. They are going slower than the marked 72 beats per minute, but 72 is more like ANDANTE, not the marked ADAGIO, (MOLTO LEGATO E ESPRESSIVO). Which to us Anglos means SLOW, very SMOOTH and EXPRESSIVE.

[@njiahderrick3546]

august rush last scene

[@liberavieve]

Lovely. I love Winchester's sound. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@AGuvnor]

yes , once i will worship the Lord face to face , along with the angels. That is what I believe , that is what these sounds remind me.... i want to believe 'till the end.

[@swerveon]

This is by an American 20th & 21st century composer. It was not written in the baroque era and it is not baroque music. That being said this piece is absolutely beautiful and so well sung. I love that distinct British sound.

[@trevortomah8508]

An awesome resounding celestial Amen, a beautiful all encompassing blessed Shalom.

[@blissful351]

I agree with Gazzadp totally.I know that this is choral music for Christmas but I have requested this music to be played at my funeral.Sorry-I know that sounds morbid but it is a truly beautiful piece of music sung by a beautiful choir.

[@najat5779]

Oh no, Lesley, it isn't morbid at all...I rather think you heard, and desire to have re-expressed at your final remembrances, one of the most beautiful, uplifting and divinely connecting pieces available to us. How perfect. May you be blessed

[@keesklaver9153]

Great music, heavenly sung by these boys and men.....Thanks for posting.

[@Gazzadp]

I just find this piece of music so movingly brilliant! In fact the whole TV broadcast of this on Christmas day evening was outstanding. You simply cannot beat the sound of a fine boy treble. Thanks for uploading! ;-)

[@shariday9849]

Thank you for putting this up and including the translation. Otherworldly.

[@charlielane1008]

A match for Kings College if ever I heard one. Sung with incredible vigour and passion but never at the expense of the contrasting effects. I have a suspicion that the cathedral acoustic and history add to the heavenly quality.

[@themrqwertymark]

3:26... their crunch is soooooooo close to perfect on that minor 2nd!!! GREAT KIDS!!!

[@adamsendler388]

Very contemplative and solemn,beyond words

[@maryevans]

Who disliked this ?? Thanku Jesus really touches deep into the spirit and soul reminding us of our salvation love to u all

[@CrankyPants_W]

This truly is heavenly! Yet it will still be as nothing compared to the choirs of angles!

[@TaylorLSexton]

Sang a concert there this past Saturday to finish up a week-long choir tour of England and Wales.

[@1miko111]

Very well executed! I never cared much about boys' choirs but, together with the good job done and the lights, the faces and the whole performance is very moving.

[@loupblanc26]

Magnificent! I love their cute ruff.

[@anneadams1541]

It's April 2021 and I'm listening again - super recording of a great rendition of a most beautiful work. Heavenly.

[@felix1360]

Excellent! If comparisons have to be made, this is quite as good as the highly praised performance by the King's College Choir. Technically the recording does not blend the voices in the same way, but I think it is ok to hear individual voices when they sing beautifully, as here.

[@geoffstephens3165]

I don't know much about music so all I can say is that this is one of the best things I have ever heard!

[@sinister1937]

I had the honor of singing the first time this was done with the LAMC. There have been many great interpretations all over the

[@КлавдияШтрюмпфель]

Благодарю вас за труд, Регент и Певчие

[@colinhazell6259]

Beautiful!

[@lenny1680]

Incredible beauty. Merry Christmas All !

[@koppenaal]

Just beautiful. I'm looking forward to the concert in my hometown Gouda (NL) on Wednesday March 28!

[@9dee9]

Heavenly! I so love this

[@hau5ovmau5]

actually this is straight tone, it works wonderfully in this "baroque/renaissance" style.

[@amauryberto]

Muuuuuuuuuito tocante!!!!!!!! Thanks! It is beautiful!!!!

[@jrpatao]

I make sure to play this song aside from playing Hallelujah Chorus and Te Deum on New Year's Eve. It's heartwarming, as if it purifies all the impurities of the past year.

[@nanikdasani4547]

O magnum mysterium Et admirabile sacramentum Ut animalia viderent Dominum natum Jacentem in praesepio! Beata Virgo, cujus viscera Meruerunt portare Dominum Christum Alleluia 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!

[@azdrielchavez]

Simplemente hermosa interpretación.

[@ulpain]

I personally prefer the king's college's version, but this still is a wonder piece of music. Thanks for uploading.

[@mel0011000]

Moved me to tears Thanks

[@MarkHarmer]

Wonderful writing.

[@2lipsonmy0rgan]

I love english choirs

[@scottnyc6572]

This sounds like an extremely difficult one to get the balance just right which they certainly did here!!!

[@swerveon]

I like this one even better than the Kings College rendition ;))

[@nmaster69]

I went to evening song ( I think that's how you spell it) twice when I was in London each time I was amazed and touched.

[@mh605]

Beautiful! Thanks.

[@swerveon]

in awe

[@musicaliceo]

Meraviglia!

[@williamripley3192]

Just a great presentation of baroque period music.

[@kimokaker]

Stunning.

[@94musicante]

I agree. I'd like to sing it too but it's hard to find a choir in Italy

[@searchingforbutterflies]

Ragione. Cori del genere non esistono quasi più

[@SharonSwann]

Wonderful!!

[@pel9989]

Can anything be more beautiful - I think not.

[@SultanaBranWthBanana]

Really? I thought Italy had lots of choirs. :( I feel so....dumb?...now lol I thought it would be a popular thing. We should start a choir in Italy and sing this song :D

[@litoboy5]

Merry Christmas !!

[@SamuelCastaneda06]

Amo esta melodia angelical

[@theblackflower777]

bella obra!

[@DLJ2890]

clear third at the end. nice

[@SultanaBranWthBanana]

You too. :) Thanks.

[@eaglewings-tn2rw]

Divinely Inspired

[@ISISOSIRIS1200]

hermoso!!!!!!!!!!!

[@dant1310]

Yes amen

[@SultanaBranWthBanana]

It's looking like a university...but there's no way we'd ever be this good. This is something that comes with being European!! haha :D Thanks though.

[@SultanaBranWthBanana]

I. Want. To. Sing. This. So. Badly. I love this song....where can I go to sing it?

[@SultanaBranWthBanana]

Dang it. That's not fair. I'm actually american. I wish I was English though. That would be epic. :D

[@SultanaBranWthBanana]

Not that I know of. I always thought it was a European thing which made me jealous. :) I need to find out if there is a choir like this somewhere here in the US. I would join in a heartbeat.

[@MrVideomadman]

God, protect Christianity.

[@94musicante]

Yes it's popular, but it's hard to find choir with young people, there are several and important choirs with adults. Then if you want to join a choir of young people you have to get in a Conservatorio or you have to live in a big city...and I live in a little town in the north :( Are you english?

[@j.rossmayhew5269]

ok... just WHO were the 16 Vandals who didn't like this INSANELY great piece of music sung by such a wonderful choir???? Bet they were Trump voters, lol!! Thanks soooo much for posting this: its every bit as good as the King's College version and i think the acoustics are better as well!

[@carolinewithers311]

really??? This piece transcends politics.

[@TurtleFrack]

Actually, from what I've heard, Trump is very religious. Just look at the way that he is tearing apart Planned Parenthood.

[@DLJ2890]

the volume and vibrato in the bass, too much, but really terrific overall - the bass at the end outstanding.

[@BETAMOX83]

that song we will all hear when we join the Child Jesus in Haeven...

[@94musicante]

Yes I know it's not fair :) Is it popular in the Usa? :)

[@najat5779]

You bet!

[@malcolmbury6108]

Fantastic singing - poor camera work!

[@sinister1937]

Sorry I inadvertently hit send before I completed my thought. The only difference with this and the King's version is there is not enough true basses which was an important part ot Lauridsen's original composition.

[@adrianoback6454]

🙏🇧🇷

[@MissMillyDee]

I guess it depends on where you live, but here are scores of great choirs in the U.S.A.! I live in southern California within driving distance of LA Master Chorale, Pacific Chorale, Long Beach Chorale, Camerata singers, and at least a dozen great college choirs, including Cal State U. Long Beach, Cal State Fullerton, and USC. There are also many super church choirs Including my Long Beach Episcopal church where we have performed this piece. There is great music out there to be discovered.

[@cj1lorenz]

Your best bet in America is to join in high school or if your older, a college or university.

[@soundseeker63]

You know the volume knob on your speakers...try adjusting it.

[@najat5779]

I did... Cranked ;-)

[@ZBGregory]

I love english choirs. Cambridge Singers, Kings College Choir, Polyphony all have a unique and beautiful/wonderful sound. However, this choir isn't letting me enjoy the piece. Sopranos are beautiful and pure, Alto's are great. Then you hear the tenors and basses. They lack a pureness and are all over the place with their soloistic singing. Compared to the blended voices of the boys the men seem to do EXACTLY the opposite. They don't have a uniform sound, which is my criticism and my opinion.

[@storytreble3]

and what do you listen to? rap?

[@guacamole6479]

Why medals of different colours?

[@auratone9303]

Yellow is for the dubbed choristers, blue is for depti head chorister and red is for head! (I was in this choir)

[@najat5779]

@@auratone9303 Wow, what a great privilege for you! Thank you for the explanation...also the beautiful singing and uplifting experience you and your fellow choristers gave and continue to give us.

[@TurtleFrack]

This beautiful song reminds me of the beginning of "Where Is Yesterday" by The United States of America.

[@Theoriginaltkg2902]

Shopping indeed.

[@94musicante]

Maybe in the school, good luck for you search :)

[@benz981]

Does anybody else think that the entire thing is just too loud??

[@cj1lorenz]

Acually there are many choirs in america that are as good as European chiors, just got to find them. universities in america are just as good as thei pros