Description
for treble solo and SATB unaccompanied This atmospheric carol sets the well-known 'O magnum mysterium' text in the version famously used by Victoria, with its tender, devotional additions. Set in four parts, the work unfolds simply, from stillness and silence, in awe and contemplation. The choral writing is effectively punctuated with a high solo voice singing phrases that call to mind fragments of the plainsong chant on the same text, appointed as a Responsary for Christmas Day.
About the Author
Dr James Whitbourn graduated from Magdalen College, Oxford, before embarking on a distinguished career as composer, conductor, producer and academic. He began his career in music at the BBC, from 1990 to 2001 he served as Editor of BBC Radio 3's weekly Choral Evensong series and he produced the BBC broadcasts of Carols from King's for more than thirty years. A member of Oxford University's Faculty of Music, Whitbourn was Fellow and Director of Music at St Edmund Hall, Senior Research Fellow at St Stephen's House, and Director of Music at Harris Manchester College. Whitbourn joined Oxford University Press as an exclusive house composer in 2019. His substantial catalogue has a focus on choral writing and is popular on both sides of the Atlantic - particularly his concert-length portrait of Anne Frank, Annelies; and the multi-media choral work Luminosity. Whitbourn's work has been recognised internationally, receiving four GRAMMY nominations. He died in March 2024.
Reviews
For those with a strong choir and a fine treble soloist, James Whitbourn's O magnum mysterium will be a great find. The atmospheric piece grows from stillness and develops with moments when the choir are joined by the high solo voice, singing in the style of plainsong chant on the text, almost in an echo-like way. This is a beautiful, highly distinctive composition. * Joy Hill, Choir and Organ *
Book Information
ISBN 9780193550926
Author James Whitbourn
Page Count 12
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 10g
Dimensions(mm) 255mm * 178mm * 1mm
About the Author
Dr James Whitbourn graduated from Magdalen College, Oxford, before embarking on a distinguished career as composer, conductor, producer and academic. He began his career in music at the BBC, from 1990 to 2001 he served as Editor of BBC Radio 3's weekly Choral Evensong series and he produced the BBC broadcasts of Carols from King's for more than thirty years. A member of Oxford University's Faculty of Music, Whitbourn was Fellow and Director of Music at St Edmund Hall, Senior Research Fellow at St Stephen's House, and Director of Music at Harris Manchester College. Whitbourn joined Oxford University Press as an exclusive house composer in 2019. His substantial catalogue has a focus on choral writing and is popular on both sides of the Atlantic - particularly his concert-length portrait of Anne Frank, Annelies; and the multi-media choral work Luminosity. Whitbourn's work has been recognised internationally, receiving four GRAMMY nominations. He died in March 2024.
Reviews
For those with a strong choir and a fine treble soloist, James Whitbourn's O magnum mysterium will be a great find. The atmospheric piece grows from stillness and develops with moments when the choir are joined by the high solo voice, singing in the style of plainsong chant on the text, almost in an echo-like way. This is a beautiful, highly distinctive composition. * Joy Hill, Choir and Organ *
Book Information
ISBN 9780193550926
Author James Whitbourn
Page Count 12
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 10g
Dimensions(mm) 255mm * 178mm * 1mm
