O Magnum Mysterium, by Morten Lauridson

Some pieces of music cause such an intense outpouring of emotion that you can't help but weep. For me, this adaptation of O Magnum Mysterium by Lauridson never fails to evoke an overwhelming sense of wonder, awe, and a difficult-to-define blend of sadness and joy.

It is well-known and loved by many choral singers, especially in the holiday season. As of 1993, he surpassed Randall Thompson as the most frequently performed American choral composer.

In 2007, he received the National Medal of Arts from the president in a White House ceremony, "for his composition of radiant choral works combining musical beauty, power and spiritual depth that have thrilled audiences worldwide."

Sources:

"The Eternal Light of Morten Lauridsen". USC Thornton School of Music. 2024-09-07.

Wine, Tom, ed. (2007). Composers on Composing for Choir. GIA Publications. pp. 69–70. ISBN 9781579996642.