O magnum mysterium...

It is the flavour of this Christmas Season - thanks to the ubiquitous The Sixteen with Harry Christophers who seem to be on TV and Radio every half-hour. The version of "O magnum mysterium" was published in Venice in 1572 by Tomás Luis de Victoria. It may only have become so popular again in recent months, but I remember singing it in the School Choir in 1965-66 (thanks to the wonderfully gifted John Walker - Head of Music who went off to be a City Organist in Norway, and is still a well known recitalist here.).

O magnum mysterium,
et admirabile sacramentum,
ut animalia viderent Dominum natum,
jacentem in praesepio!

O great mystery,
and wonderful sacrament,
that animals should see the new-born Lord,
lying in a manger!

I can't post The Sixteen version - but here are the Cambridge Singers!

Cambridge Singers