In about 24 hours, I will be another year older, putting me in one of those magnificent, mystical yet melacholy moods where I cannot help but ponder the mysteries of existence, for which "O Magnum Mysterium" is the ultimate background (or foreground, depending on personal preference) soundtrack to. Recorded live in the round one holiday season, 'neath a wondrous vaulted ceiling painted with twinkling stars,inside a glorious house of worship when I was in CSUEB's Oratorio Society, before we became the Singing Society and prior to my promotion to the university's East Bay Singers chamber chorus. Yes, we were still a bit raw, section-wise in places, and the mix distorts a wee bit during the higher passages, but the wonder present in this shared musical moment was moving & palpable for all involved. You may have already heard it; if so, my apologies, but this song has grown on me over the years, and this particular arrangement by composer, Morten Lauridsen, is amongst my favorites. Hope you enjoy hearing it as much as we did performing it!