There are three choral works that I have heard which reach the level of sublime: Franz Schubert’s “Ave Maria,” “Holy Radiant Light,” by Russian composer Alexander Gretchaninoff and “O Magnum Mysterium,” by Morten Lauridsen. Any one of these is beautiful to hear any time of the year, each one is appropriate for Christmas. “O Magnum Mysterium,” may be the most beautiful song I have ever heard. Several years ago, I was privileged to be in a choir that sang this piece, and that was my introduction to this amazing work. Here it is performed by the Westminster Cathedral Choir on Christmas Eve, 2009. Listen and see if you have ever heard any music so beautiful. If you have, please comment and let me know.
(Many thanks to Penelopepiscopal for posting this video on her blog, which is where I found it.)
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