Magnum Mysterium - Grex Vocalis, Carl Høgset

O magnum mysterium — the opening words of Midnight Mass at Christmas — also express the shepherds' awe upon seeing the child in the manger. The music of the festive season describes the great contrasts of the nativity. Here we find music inspired by the sense of wonder that the shepherds and the wise men must have felt on coming face to face with the great mystery.

For more than two thousand years people have been fascinated by the story which is the basis of our celebration of Christmas in the western hemisphere. Writers and composers have found inspiration to convey the wonderful event in words and music. 

On this recording we have brought together some of the most beautiful Christmas music for a cappella choir. Regardless of how one might choose to celebrate Christmas today, we believe that this music can contribute beauty, atmosphere, light and hope at the darkest time of the year.

Music by Michael Praetorius, Per Steenberg, Fartein Valen, Morten Lauridsen, Harold Darke, Trond Hans Farner Kverno, David Willcocks, Tomas Luis de Victoria, Reginald Jacques, Franz Gruber, Eusebius Mandyczewski, Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Graham B. Buckland, Alain Langrée, Edvard Grieg, Francis Poulenc and Javier Busto.

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