O Magnum Mysterium is a SATB setting of a traditional latin text. By using the effect of staggered breathing all the way through the piece takes on a Neo-renaissance feel. After every statement about the birth of Jesus the motive and words of “O Magnum Mysterium,” come back in awe of what was just sung. Here is a recording

Translation:

O great mystery,

and wonderful sacrament,

that animals should see the newborn Lord,

lying in a manger!