Composer: Morten Lauridsen
Works: O Magnum Mysterium, Lux Aeterna, Les Chansons des Roses, Ave Maria, Mid-Winter Songs (Orchestral Version)
Performers: Los Angeles Master Chorale, Sinfonia Orchestra, Paul Salamunovich (conductor)
Recording: Recorded June 9, August 29, 1997, and January 9 & 20, 1998, in Sacred Heart Chapel, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles. DDD
Label: Rubedo Canis Musica RCM 19705
Morten Lauridsen, born in 1943, has emerged as one of the foremost composers of choral music in the contemporary classical landscape, with a style that deftly bridges the sacred and the secular. His work, “O Magnum Mysterium,” originally premiered in 1994, stands as a quintessential example of his lyrical approach to choral writing, blending lush harmonies and expressive melodic lines. This recording, featuring the Los Angeles Master Chorale and Sinfonia Orchestra under the adept direction of Paul Salamunovich, encapsulates the essence of Lauridsen’s musical language, which is both richly tonal and deeply emotive.
The performance of “O Magnum Mysterium,” lasting a mere five and a half minutes, is a masterclass in choral texture and dynamic nuance. The Los Angeles Master Chorale, composed primarily of youthful, vibrant voices, delivers a rendition that captures the reverential spirit of the piece. Salamunovich’s interpretation is characterized by its clarity and balance, allowing the intricate interplay of voices to shine through. The opening chords resonate with a sense of mystery, drawing the listener in with their serene yet powerful presence. Each phrase unfolds with a natural ebb and flow, particularly in the climactic moments where the choir’s harmonies swell, creating an overwhelming sense of awe and beauty.
Lauridsen’s “Lux Aeterna,” inspired by Brahms’ “Ein deutsches Requiem,” offers a contemplative journey through its five movements. The engineering of this recording, set within the acoustically rich confines of the Sacred Heart Chapel, enhances the spatial qualities of the choir’s sound. The gradual build-up in “O Nata Lux,” featuring soaring melodic lines that seem to ascend toward the heavens, is particularly striking. The music seems to breathe, with each phrase punctuated by the ethereal resonance of the chapel, allowing the audience to feel the weight of the sacred text. Comparatively, other recordings of “Lux Aeterna” may lack this depth of acoustic engagement, underscoring the unique qualities of this performance.
The inclusion of “Les Chansons des Roses,” settings of Rainer Maria Rilke’s poetry, showcases Lauridsen’s ability to marry text and music seamlessly. The last movement, “Dirait-on,” has garnered popularity in its own right, and in this recording, it is rendered with exceptional sensitivity. The delicate interplay between the choir and the piano accompaniment, provided by the composer himself, highlights the nuanced textural contrasts that Lauridsen so masterfully crafts. The use of dynamic shading here is particularly effective, drawing attention to the subtle shifts in the poetry’s mood.
Technical aspects of the performance are commendable across the board. The choristers exhibit remarkable precision, with each section blending impeccably, while still allowing individual voices to emerge when appropriate. The Sinfonia Orchestra complements the choir with an understated yet impactful presence, adding depth without overshadowing the choral lines. The recording quality itself is superb, capturing the warmth of the voices and the clarity of the instrumental accompaniment, making it a standout in the realm of choral recordings.
Morten Lauridsen’s works, as presented in this recording, resonate profoundly with both the listener and the performer. The Los Angeles Master Chorale, under Salamunovich’s direction, delivers an interpretation that is both technically polished and deeply felt. Each piece unfolds with lyrical grace, inviting the audience into a reflective and transcendent experience. This recording is an essential addition to any choral music collection, illustrating not only the beauty of Lauridsen’s compositions but also the exceptional artistry of the performers. The emotional and spiritual weight of the music lingers long after the final notes fade, solidifying this disc as a definitive testament to the power of contemporary choral music.
