In 5th intervals, the third of the chord is missing this crucial note determines if the harmony is major or minor, so open 5ths donвЂ™t have any harmonic indication (which leaves the listener in suspense). *Music theory: VictoriaвЂ™s use of open 5th intervals perpetuates a sense of awe in the music. Rather, each voice echoes and imitates what has already been sung, which helps create the somber atmosphere. The smooth changes between major and minor harmoniesВ add to the sense of mystery and wonder, and the slow rhythm forces the listener to appreciate the importance of the words. Each voice subtly enters, shifting harmonies and painting layers of sound as the text introduces the вЂњgreat mysteryвЂќ of JesusвЂ™s birth. The electric opening of O Magnum MysteriumВ sets the tone for the rest of the piece. вЂњAnd she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.ДЄnd whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?вЂќ вЂ“ Luke 1: 42-43 Music Nativity by Hans Baldung, 1520 The second half of the text relates to the words spoken by Elizabeth when she welcomes Mary, the mother of Jesus, into her home: The painting Nativity by Hans Baldung in 1520 demonstrates this idea. This was a topic of great excitement during the Renaissance people loved the idea that the animals in the stable recognized the birth of Jesus as an important event. The first half of the chant references the animals present at JesusвЂ™s birth, symbolic of GodвЂ™s mysterious and lowly life as a mortal. That animals should see the new-born Lord,

However, 20 years later Victoria used this work as the basis for a Mass.

O Magnum Mysterium was first published in 1572 as a choral motet (a fancy name for a Renaissance choir piece). Victoria exclusively wrote sacred music, and after his time in Rome, he enjoyed composing back in Madrid.

He became known for his musicianship at a young age, and when he was 17 he moved to Rome where he interacted with the top composers of the time. An accomplished composer, organist, and singer, Victoria is one of the most well-known composers of the Counter-Reformation (the period of Catholic resurgence initiated as a response to the Protestant Reformation).

Ola gjeilo o magnum mysterium