Peter Maxwell Davies: O Magnum Mysterium

Featuring

Howard Arman
Chor des Bayerischen Rundfunks
Sir Peter Maxwell Davies

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Historical Context

The title verses come from the responsory O magnum mysterium, formerly sung at Matins, a monastic office, and was especially significant during Advent.

Recording & Production

This recording of O Magnum Mysterium was made in Munich at the Prinzregententheater on December 4th and 5th, 2020.

Performer Biography

Howard Arman, the conductor on this album, was the artistic director of the Bavarian Radio Chorus from 2016 to 2022 and has distinguished himself in various musical genres from baroque to jazz.

Performer Biography

The Chor des Bayerischen Rundfunks (Bavarian Radio Chorus) is highly regarded worldwide for its sound homogeneity and stylistic versatility, covering all areas of choral singing.

Composition History

Peter Maxwell Davies's O Magnum Mysterium was written in 1960 for Allan Wicks, the organist and choirmaster at Manchester Cathedral, who performed it with his school choir.

Compositional Technique

The work O Magnum Mysterium is a flexible construction, comprising carols and instrumental sonatas, with no mandatory order for its pieces, which can also be performed separately.