O magnum mysterium (Quatre motets pour le temps de noel, No. 1)

O Great Mystery

Poulenc, Francis (1899–1963)

Voicing:
Mixed Choir → SATB

Accompaniment:
Unaccompanied

Function/Language(s):
Latin

Occasion:

Proper of Time → Christmas Season → The Nativity of the Lord → General

Publication Information:
Salabert — R.L.12525 (1952)

Text Information:
Reference: Responsory IV, Matins of Christmas Day
Source: Liturgy of the Hours

Duration: 3:15
Lyrics:

O magnum mysterium, et admirabile sacramentum,
ut animalia viderent Dominum natum, 
jacentem in praesepio.
Beata Virgo, cujus viscera meruerunt
portare Dominum Jesum Christum.  

English translation:
O great mystery, and wondrous sacrament,
that mere animals witnessed our Lord’s birth,
lying in a manger bed.
Blessed Virgin, whose womb was chosen
to carry our Lord Jesus Christ.

Notes: SATB with Alto divisi
Submitted by: Brian Luckner Added: Oct 27, 2021 Last updated: Jan 23, 2022