The O Magnum Mysterium text dates back to middle ages and has been set by many composers for hundreds of years. While the text’s origins are unknown, it conveys a beautiful and powerful scene of the Nativity scene. This new setting by Lalonde treats the text delicately and sensitively, as if one is viewing the scene of the Nativity in the first person. After, the perspective changes to the enormity of what transpires after this momentous event, foreshadowed by haunting dissonances and rich sonorities. Of course, joy and jubilant overtake the moment before returning to the humble scene during a dark and quiet night.

– From the composer