Daniel Pinkham - Christmas Cantata

UC Davis University Chorus
Jonathan Spatola-Knoll, Conductor

The second movement of this Cantata is on the text of O Magnum Mysterium.  It's a much performed work, though there are often serious problems of balance between the brass instruments and the chorus.  This performance is the only one I've ever heard where you can understand most of the words. Pinkham was a friend of one of my teachers, I met him once, he was a fun guy.

1. Quem Vidistis, Pastores

Quem vidistis, pastores? Dicite.
Annuntiate nobis in terris quis apparuit.
Natum vidimus, et choros angelorum,
Collaudantes Dominum,
Alleluia.

Whom did you see, shepherds? Tell us.
Tell us who has appeared on earth.
We saw him who was born, and a choir of angels
praising the Lord.
Alleluia.

2. O Magnum Mysterium

O magnum mysterium
et admirabile sacramentum,
Ut animalia viderent Dominum natum,
Jacentem in prasepio.
Beata virgo, cujus viscera meruerunt
portare Dominum Christum.

O great mystery
and wonderful sacrament,
That animals might see the Lord born,
lying in a stable.
Blessed is the Virgin whose womb was
worthy to bear the Lord Christ.

3. Gloria in excelsis Deo

Gloria in excelsis Deo
et in terra pax
hominibus bonae voluntatis.
Jubilate Deo omnis terra,
servite Dominum in laetitia.
(Refrain)
Introite in conspectu ejus, in exultatione.
(Refrain)
Scitote quoniam Dominus ipse est Deus:
Ipse fecit nos, et no ipsi nos.
Alleluia.

Glory to God in the highest
and on earth peace
to men of good will.
Rejoice in the Lord, all ye lands.
Serve the Lord with joy.
(Refrain)
Come into his presence with exultation.
(Refrain)
Know that the Lord is God. It is he who
has made us and not we ourselves.
Alleluia.