For centuries, composers have been inspired by the beautiful O Magnum Mysterium text depicting the birth of the new-born King amongst the lowly animals and shepherds. This affirmation of God’s grace to the meek and the adoration of the Blessed Virgin are celebrated in my setting through a quiet song of profound inner joy.

The original choral version of O Magnum Mysterium was commissioned by Marshall Rutter in honor of his wife, Terry Knowles, and premiered December 18, 1994 by the Los Angeles Master Chorale, conducted by Paul Salamunovich, at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles. I am grateful to Sandra Dackow for her elegant and faithful string orchestra transcription.