Respond: O Magnum Mysterium

Description

Respond: O Magnum Mysterium
Randall Giles

Here is a graceful and effective setting of this famous Advent text. Dr. Giles creates an atmosphere of mystery by his use of close intervals and repeated melodic fragments. There is much use of the Gregorian chant here, both unadorned and developed in the choral writing. The concluding “Alleluia” with its wide intervals and harmonic changes communicates the premonition of Christ’s suffering and death. This would be especially effective as an anthem for Advent or carol concert.