Amazon.com: Thanks to good marketing, good cover art, and good luck, this disc probably has sold more copies than most other recordings of Gregorian chant put together. It's often quipped that most of those discs have been listened to exactly once and put away--to the puzzlement of many musicians and critics, who point out that there are more beautiful, more varied performances by professional singers available. Yet the singing of these Spanish Benedictines has a special quality that probably explains this disc's popularity--a reverent serenity that no doubt stems from the fact that the monks are actually praying, not just performing. Granted, Chant can become a bit monotonous with repeated listening, but it really gives you the sense of devotion that has always been the purpose of "Gregorian" chant. If this recording (ahem) enchants you at first, wonderful. If you get bored with it later, don't give up--there has been an extraordinary variety of styles and sounds over the 1,500-year history of plainchant, so go exploring with Anonymous 4, Ensemble Gilles Binchois, Sequentia, or Ensemble Organum. You won't be sorry. --Matthew Westphal
Disc 1:
Puer Natus Est Nobis: Intriot (Modo VII)
Os Iusti: Gradual (Modo I)
Christus Factus Est Pro Nobis: Gradual (Modo V)
Mandatum Novum Do Vobis: Antiphonal And Psalm 132 (Modo III)
Media Vita In Morte Sumus: Responsorio (Modo IV)
Alleluia, Beatus Vir Qui Suffert: (Modo I)
Spiritus Domini: Introit (Modo VIII)
Improperium: Offertorio (Modo VIII)
Laetatus Sum: Gradual (Modo VII)
Kyrie XI - A: (Modo I)
Puer Natus In Bethlehem: Ritmo (Modo I)
Jacta Cogitatum Tuum: Gradual (Modo VII)
Verbum Caro Factum Est: Responsorio (Modo VII)
Genuit Puerpera Regem: Antiphonal And Psalm 99 (Modo II)
Not your usual Kyrie CHANT arrived in good condition ahead of the promised delivery date and for a bargain price. The singing is well done. However, I never recognized one selection of the ultra long list of chants that are a radical departure from Kyrie Eleison and Magnificat anima mea. I played it while in bed and drifted off to sleep even after being kinda disappointed in the selections. This is not saying YOU won't be transfixed and inspired by the rhythm, melodies, and selections chosen by the totally-dedicated monks.
Benedictine Chant This CD is very pretty. A nice CD to play around Easter time, which I did. The voices blend beautifully making it great for a meditation practice, massage, or even for yoga during asana time or even final relaxation.
Chant Great CD, best music to study with, sleep with, or just relax. And it's Holy too! Great gift, very classic.
Chant The CD was received on time and in excellent condition. I use the CD in the evenings to slow me down and get me in a relaxed mood.
Chant It is a true to life portrail of the medieval prayer form.
Anything Goes Trivia
Trevor
Megaton Man
