Renaissance · 1572
O magnum mysterium
T. L. de Victoria
- Key
- F
- Time
- C
- Tempo
- ♩=56
- AO focus
- AO3
Incipit
Form
Motet for SATB. Setting of the Christmas Matins responsory. Through-composed, with the closing 'Alleluia' in triple meter. Performed at virtually every cathedral choir's Christmas service.
Teaching points
- Mode = Hypoaeolian on F (≈ F minor with flat 7). Discuss modal vs major/minor
- Triple-meter Alleluia — closing section shifts metre and key. Coach the transition
- AO1: ideal Christmas-service piece — all four parts singable by school choir, ~4 minutes
Full score ↓Public domain
Score: CPDL multiple editions, public domain.