O Magnum Mysterium
Voicings: SSAA a cappella
Author: traditional
Duration: 3-4 minutes
Commissioner: San Francisco Girls Chorus
Premiere: Premiered December 2001 at Davies Symphony Hall by the San Francisco Girls Chorus.
“The explosive Lang work was appropriately contrasted by the excellent, gentle and more subtle O Magnum Mysterium by Kurt Erickson. This world premiere was commissioned by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. Here the “mystery” part of the thematic trinity came beautifully to the fore. As resident composer at the National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi, Mr. Erickson, it is hoped, will not have his efforts thrown to the birds, as has happened to so many contemporary composers, but will instead continue to receive acclimation such as was bestowed on him by the evening’s audience. Hands clapped enthusiastically; no feathers were ruffled.”