Morton Lauridsen is Composer-in-Residence for the Master Chorale and Chair of the Dept. of Composition at USC. These original works are performed by the Chorale under the direction of Paul Salamunovich. Accompanied by the Sinfonia Orchestra, this recording was Grammy nominated, and has been in high demand since its release. Containing works written in the past decade as well as three world premiere recordings (seventeen tracks in all) it begins with the self-titled 'Lux Aeterna,' a five movement work that draws upon Latin texts, each containing references to Light. Next are the exquisite 'Chansons Des Roses,' set to poems of Rainier Maria Rilke. 'Ave Maria' is an a cappella motet, and 'Mid-Winter Songs' is a choral cycle using winter as its unifying motif. The result is ethereal, inspiring and above all, flawless.

Listen to O Magnum Mysterium in RealAudio.