I've just been following the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at King's College Cambridge, and the penultimate carol was 'O Magnum Mysterium'. I have to admit I ended up in floods of emotional tears as it's truly the most beautiful piece of choral music ever composed.

I was surprised to learn (having Googled it after mopping up the tears with a hanky!) that it's a fairly modern piece, composed I believe in 1994 by Morten Lauridsen.

Does it affect anyone else like this, or do I need to get a grip?
And does anyone know anything about this composer (I only know he's an American)

Merry Christmas to everyone on Mudcat.