Morten Lauridsen: O Magnum Mysterium

Let me say goodbye to 2011, with this moving and utterly beautiful motet written by the American composer Morten Lauridsen, splendidly performed, here, by the Choir Polyphony (Hyperion). 

I do not wish to say anything about it, for it seems that no verbal expression can possibly depict or describe what remains, in essence, unsayable...

Here are the words:

O Magnum Mysterium

et admirabile sacramentum

ut animalia viderent Dominum natum

Beata Virgo cujus viscera

jacentem in praesepio!

meruerunt portare

Dominum Christum

Alleluia!

An english translation (found on Wiki):

O great mystery, and wonderful sacrament, 

that animals should see the new-born Lord, 

lying in a manger! 

Blessed is the Virgin whose womb 

was worthy to bear 

Christ the Lord. 

Alleluia!

My sincere wishes to you all...