Flummerfelt, Westminster Choir - O Magnum Mysterium

Flummerfelt, Westminster Choir — O Magnum Mysterium (2018 Remaster)

Part of the Chesky Original Masters Series

Hybrid Stereo SACD

Originally recorded by Chesky Records in 1992, O Magnum Mysterium is a magnificent showcase of the world renowned Westminster Choir's stunning tonal blend, pristine balance, and nuanced emotional expression. Under the direction of longtime conductor Joseph Flummerfelt, the Princeton, New Jersey-based ensemble — widely recognised for their historic, multi-season performances alongside the New York Philharmonic — reaches a pinnacle of choral artistry on this landmark album.

The meticulously curated program features nine exquisite settings of sacred vocal music focusing on the Christmas story and the mystery of the Incarnation, structured loosely after the sequence of a traditional Sunday worship service. The journey is anchored by three contrasting settings of the titular "O Magnum Mysterium" by Tomas Luis de Victoria, Peter Maxwell Davies, and Francis Poulenc. From the delicate, airy English Renaissance structures of William Byrd's "Ave Verum Corpus" to the modern, chromatic brilliance of Verdi's "Ave Maria", the tracklist offers sublime stylistic and sonic contrast.

Captured by acclaimed recording engineer Bob Katz in the immense, beautifully resonant sanctuary of the Episcopal Church of St. Mary the Virgin in New York City, the natural reverb of the stone cathedral allows the choir and organ to hover three-dimensionally.

Utilizing Chesky's stunning 2018 remaster, this audiophile classic is beautifully presented here on Hybrid Stereo SACD.

1. Bainton: And I Saw a New Heaven

2. Britten: Festival Te Deum

3. Victoria: O Magnum Mysterium

4. Poulenc: O Magnum Mysterium

5. Davies: O Magnum Mysterium

6. Messiaen: O Sacrum Convivium

7. Mozart: Ave Verum Corpusc

8. Duruflé: Kyrie (From Requiem)

9. Byrd: Ave Verum Corpus

10. Foss: Behold! I Build a House

11. Verdi: Ave Maria

12. Bruckner: Ave Maria

13. Stravinsky: Ave Maria

14. Brahms: Lass Dich Nur Nichts Nicht Dauren

15. Parry: I Was Glad When They Said Unto Me

16. Lutkin: The Lord Bless You and Keep You

Be the first to write a review for this item OR just rate it