Salve Regina

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
These exquisite miniatures by Campra and Couperin bear no resemblance to the "grand motets" of Lully, et al, with brass, chorus and tympani blazing away; rather they are introspective, intimate, prayerful, mellow pieces, each less than 10 minutes long, for solo high, light tenor (haute-contre), accompanied by organ, viola, violin and occasional flute. The texts are biblical--a few filled with penitence and grief ("Usquequo, Domine" by Couperin, asking how long it will be before salvation), a few with joy (Campra's "Florete prata," with images of flowers bursting forth in the presence of the Lord)--and each is sung with great intensity, elegance, pure, unforced tone and impeccable phrasing and diction by Paul Agnew. The polished accompaniments by William Christie, who leads from the organ, are as tasteful and flawlessly French as they should be. The experience here is sober and sincere, and quite moving. --Robert Levine

Tracks:

Da Pacem, Domine: Introit
Haec Dies Quam Fecit Dominus: Gradual
Victimae Paschali Laudes: Sequence
Alleluia. Vir Dei Benedictus: Alleluia
Kyrie, Fons Bonitatis: Trope
Quam Magnificata Sunt Opera Tua Domine: Responsory
Ut Queant Laxis Resonare Fibris: Hymn
Cibavit Eos Ex Adipe Furmenti: Introit
Oculi Omnium In Te Sperant: Gradual
Spirtus Domini Replevit Orbem Terrarum: Introit
Alleluia. Veni Sancte Spiritus: Alleluia
Os Justi Meditabitur Sapientiam: Gradual
Kyrie 'Lux Et Origo'
Gloria In Excelsis Deo
Sanctus Dominus Deus Sabaoth
Agnus Dei, Qui Tollis Peccata Mundi
Ave Mundi Spes Maria: Sequence
Media Vita In Morte Sumus: Responsory
Salve, Regina, Mater Misericordiae: Antiphon

Customer Reviews:

efficaciously relaxing.......2007-06-27

This is exactly what I was looking for. I now have some music to play at work that is soothing and keeps me focused. It also keeps me grounded as to what is really important in life. Highly recommend it!!

very calming.......2007-01-19

these gregorian chants are very calming . If your riding in your car, walking , or just sitting . it makes for excellent listening.

Beautiful.......2005-08-28

Beautiful. Just like the first Chant. This is my "mellow out", puts me to sleep music. I didn't care for the applause at the end, but it's still a beautiful CD.

Same Question As Before.......2003-04-24

The music is flawless. Haunting, spiritual, engrossing, and above all gorgeous. This disc is nothing short of amazing. Yet I gotta ask. Why is it that a recording of BENEDICTINE monks has a cover photo of men in FRANCISCAN robes?

Same Quation As Before.......2003-04-24

Average customer rating:

Clerveaux Monks
Hauntingly Beautiful
Meditate as you listen........
What a Magnificat!
Soothing

Salve Regina: Gregorian Chant

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Lost in Meditation: Meditative Gregorian Chants
Lost in Meditation: Meditative Gregorian Chants, Vol. 1
Gregorian Chants: The Best of the Benedictine Monks of St. Michael's
Catholic Latin Classics
Chant II

ASIN: B0000040ZC
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Gregorian Chant: Magnificat - Tu es pastor ovium
Gregorian Chant: Stabat Mater
Gregorian Chant: Lauda Sion
Gregorian Chant: Te deum (tonus monasticus)
Gregorian Chant: Adoro te
Gregorian Chant: O sacrum convivium (tonus monasticus)
Gregorian Chant: Ave, verum Corpus
Gregorian Chant: Tantum ergo
Gregorian Chant: O salutaris Hostia (tonus monasticus)
Gregorian Chant: Salve Regina (tonus monasticus)
Gregorian Chant: Ave Maria
Gregorian Chant: Sub tuum praesidium (tonus monasticus)
Gregorian Chant: Alma Redemptoris Mater (tonus monasticus)
Gregorian Chant: Inviolata
Gregorian Chant: Regina caeli (tonus monasticus)
Gregorian Chant: Victimae paschali laudes
Gregorian Chant: Veni, Creator Spiritus (tonus monasticus)

Customer Reviews:

Clerveaux Monks.......2007-07-11

It was quite wonderful to find this as the monks had none for sale at the Abbey.

Hauntingly Beautiful.......2007-01-19

This is an excellent cd. The emotion present in the monks' voices, espcially in the "Salve Regina" is deeply moving and beautiful. Highly recommended for anyone who is a fan of Gregorian chant, and a great first buy for someone who just wants to know what Gregorian chant sounds like.

Meditate as you listen...............2007-01-04

This lifts your heart to God as you listen. Beautifully done.

What a Magnificat!.......2006-09-01

I have listened to this recording since it was on a cassette tape and I always come back to it. What a gentle and sincere recording. The Magnificat is especially beautiful.

Soothing.......2006-02-21

I bought this disk while feeling depressed and not being able to focus. The chanting soothed me and gave me some piece of mind. Why then not 5 stars, you ask? Because the sound lacks a bit of clarity despite the remastering and the performance is good, but not exceptional.

Average customer rating:

Superb relaxation
What a recording
FANTASTIC!!
Please ignore the other review on this product!
It sounds like all the other chant cd's out there

Chant: The Anniversary Edition
Benedictine Monks of Santo Domingo de Silos
Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Chant II
Chant
Lost in Meditation: Meditative Gregorian Chants, Vol. 1
Lost in Meditation: Meditative Gregorian Chants
The Mystery Of Santo Domingo De Silos Gregorian Chant From Spain

ASIN: B0001XAP1A
Release Date: 2004-05-04

Tracks:

Alleluia Beatus Vir Qui Suffert (Modo I)
Mandatum Novum Do Vobis
Media Vita In Morte Sumus
Laetatus Sum
Veni Creator Spiritus
Genuit Puerpera Regem
Kyrie Fons Bonitatis
Nos Autem
Super Flumina
Qui Manducat
Salve Regina
Salve, Festa Dies
Rorate Saeli De Super
Jacta Cogitatum Tuum
Jucundare
Veni Sancte Spiritus
Respice, Domine
Alleluia, Oportebat

Tracks:

Christus Factus Est Pro Nobis
Puer Natus Est Nobis
Ave Mundi Specs Maria
Spiritus Domini
Os Iusti
A Solis Ortus Cardine
Oculi Omnium
Alleluia, Dies Santificatus
Viderunt Omnes
Puer Natus In Bethlehem
Verbum Caro
Tui Sunt
Pueri Herbraeorum Portantes
Improperium
Tristis Est
Una Hora
Traditor Autem-Benedictus
Ubi Caritas

Amazon.com

This set contains the two CDs that, it must be acknowledged, just about started the Chant craze in 1994. The music was actually recorded in the 1970s and 1980s (this new set has been remastered and sounds better than the 1994-95 releases did) and was on sale in Spain and offered at the Monastery of Santo Domingo de Silos for some time before it became "hot." Since then, hundreds of CDs of chant and similar music have appeared, many more polished then these, but perhaps these were so special because they weren't performances: they caught actual Monks in the act of praying, and the meditative quality is undeniably real. Whatever the case, this is music for reflection, calming down, re-fueling and getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life--which may be even more needed now than they were 10 years ago. Texts are not supplied and you won't need them; it's all about reverence and mood. Doing nothing but listening to this in 25-minute chunks will allow your breathing to slow and re-energize you. Each 55-minute CD will probably put you to sleep--and this isn't meant as a criticism. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Superb relaxation.......2007-04-01

This is a wonderful compilation. I greatly enjoy listening to it when I'm working on painting or another activity where lower blood pressure is a must. Having two albums in one makes the deal even sweeter. If you alreaddy own Chant I and II, then there's no real value added, but with mine lost in a move, it was a great return of music I enjoy.

What a recording.......2006-12-01

Mystic,eternal, and meditative is how I would
describe these chants, a most perfect gift
for Christmas. This reissue sounds even better
than the ones released in the mid 90's.
I would highly recommend this recording to anyone.
The only rule is sit down, or lay back and enjoy.

FANTASTIC!!.......2006-01-25

BUYERS BE WARNED - this set should not purchased in lieu of the two original Chant CDs but rather as a supplement to them. Because although both the Amazon.com editorial review and one of the two reviews available for the Anniversary Edition both indicate it is nothing more than a remastered version of the original two Chant releases from 1994, a thorough check of the track listings at Amazon.com (and at angelrecords.com) demonstrates that this is not the case. The sequence of tracks is completely different and there are numerous tracks that appear on one of the original Chant CDs but not on the Anniversary Edition and vice versa. The most complete is the first of the two original discs as all but two of its nineteen tracks appear on the Anniversary Edition. Chant II has less than half a dozen of its tracks appearing on the Anniversary Edition.

However, this complaint aside, I love the Anniversary Edition. Although the track sequence is different from the original Chant CD and I find myself expecting certain chants to follow others, I will in time get used to the differences.

Moving on, this is not complicated material. There is no polyphonic, raucous, symphonic accompaniment. There are no rowdy, raging guitar riffs from the likes of Pepper Keenan or Jeff Loomis. There are no ultra-funky looped drum beats, booming bass, or rapped socio-political venom from the likes of the Ice Cube or Public Enemy. There is neither a Cecilia Bartoli nor a BB King to sustain things by sheer virtuosity. There are only the exquisitely simple, melodic sounds of monks singing/chanting in Latin in a great, grand hall with nary a trace of echo to be heard. This is gorgeous, sublime, invigorating music to soothe the sores of the soul and heal the hardened heart. The raw honesty and utter conviction of the `performers' on these two discs drive these pieces home with a power that more practiced and polished performers dare not dream of. Even with no transcription or translation of the chants inside the booklet, this is music to be enjoyed by everyone.

My recommendation is to procure Chant: The Anniversary Edition immediately and be thankful that such simple and supremely powerful music exists to bring some light into our seemingly ever-darkening world.

Thanks for reading.

Please ignore the other review on this product!.......2005-07-21

The other reviewer obviously does not realize that this is a re-release of both Chant I and Chant II. They have also been remastered. I highly recommend purchasing this 2-CD set because the quality is better than the originals, and the price is usually better than buying the first two separately. I wouldn't be without this in my music collection. Please do no let the ignorance of others keep you from experiencing this beautiful, ethereal music.

It sounds like all the other chant cd's out there.......2005-03-16

There is nothing special about this CD - buy Chant 1, save 5 bucks, and call it good

Average customer rating:

Beyond words ...
Magnificent voices, songs and arrangements
Not their best album
Excellent !!
sacred

Sacred
Irish Anonymous , Joe / Sprague, Billy / Carroll, Bruce Beck , Nicholas Brodszky , Gregorian Chant , Henri F. Hemy , Chuck / Shamblin, Allen Jones , Charlie Landsborough , John Newton , Stuart Townsend , Traditional , Irish Traditional , Shaker Traditional , Stevie Wonder , Arnie Roth , Orchestr Ceská Filharmonie , Anthony Kearns , Finbar Wright , and Irish Tenors
Manufacturer: Razor & Tie
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Ronan

ASIN: B000A2GP2K
Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

Deus Meus
Be Thou My Vision
Morning Has Broken
My Love
If I Can Help Somebody
My Forever Friend
Shelter Me
Amazing Grace
To Do Your Will
Hail Glorious St. Patrick
How Deep The Father's Love
Lord Of The Dance
There's No Cross
I'll Walk With God
Salve Regina

From the Label

Sacred marks John McDermott's first recording with the Irish Tenors since rejoining fellow original member Anthony Kearns and Finbar Wright (who actually replaced McDermott in 2000). The Irish Tenors live up to their reputation as "gifted interpreters" with this collection, covering a wide range of spiritual material. Sacred was produced by the Irish Tenors' long-time musical director, Arnie Roth, who has also worked with Charlotte Church, Diana Ross, and Art Garfunkel. The album was produced in Prague at the Rudlofinum and ICN Studios.

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Customer Reviews:

Beyond words ..........2007-03-22

Having only recently discovered The Irish Tenors, nothing here was a repeat to me. And, even if it was, I can't imagine being disappointed.

If you are open to the idea that music can be a vehicle for a moment of sublime and sacred ecstacy, that may help convey what I find difficult to put into words.

While I live continuously and constantly in Our Father's presence, a music album such as this can certainly heighten the moment with Him.

Magnificent voices, songs and arrangements.......2006-06-17

This is an extraordinary collection. The songs are irresistible, the voices incredibly powerful and filled with appropriate emotion, and the orchestra is very simply great. You'll want to buy this album for others. Simply beautiful. A pure joy.

Not their best album.......2006-02-27

For the most part this is an enjoyable collections of sacred music. However the inclussion of "Lord of the Dance" and other modern tunes are dreary no matter who sings them.

Excellent !!.......2005-10-26

I recently went to a concert to hear The Irish Tenors. They did several songs from this CD and it was great. If you like John McDermott as much I do then you must have this CD. This is a triple good CD with 3 top tenors.

sacred.......2005-10-23

I enjoyed most of the music. My main complaint is the repeated songs from John McDermott's Faithfullness CD. For us fans of John the repeats seem a bit too much. I think there are six reteats.

Average customer rating:

Great choral music CD
a voice teacher and early music fan
Lovely!!!
Beautiful, but a little cold
The Greatest Hits of a Pioneer Ensemble

The Essential Tallis Scholars

Manufacturer: Gimell UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Tallis: Spem in Alium
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Allegri: Miserere
The Tallis Scholars Sing Thomas Tallis

ASIN: B00009NJ20
Release Date: 2003-09-09

Tracks:

Miserere
Ave Maria For Double Choir
Sicut Lilium I
Praeter Rerum Seriem
Pater Peccavi
Ego Flos Campi
Tota Pulchra Es
Descendi In Hortum Meum
Alma Redemptoris Mater
Salve Regina
Ave Regina Caelorum
Gloria

Tracks:

Media Vita
In Manus Tuas
O Nata Lux
Audivi Vocem
Exaudiat Te Dominus
Ah, Robin
Salve Regina
Kyrie
Gloria
Credo
Sanctus
Agnus Dei

Customer Reviews:

Great choral music CD.......2007-01-26

This CD is excellent - a "must have" for every collection. Beautiful voices, relaxing music.

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2007-01-08

The pieces on these two discs are taken from over fifteen years of recording by the Tallis Scholars, startng with the now-famous recording of Allegri's 'Miserere' from 1980. Allegri lived well into the Baroque era, dying in 1562, Therefore, he did not write the 'Miserere' in renaissance polyphony; and his chordal structure leaned toward the Baroque.
Victoria's 8-part 'Ave Maria' and Palestrina's 'Sicut lilium' are both pieces iln a contemplative mood, the first making direct reference to the Virgin Mary, and the second indirect reference to her via the poetry of the 'Song of Songs'. The remaining selections on Disc l, maintain the consistent, intense sonority of Flemish polyphony.
Disc 2 falls into two parts. The pieces by Sheppard, Tallis,White and Cornysh come from the first half of the sixteenth century and are part of the 'English School' of writing. Here the music is made up of long lines, more notes than syllables, with the emphasis on the part-writing and not the harmonic background.
The second part of Disc 2 is Byrd's five-part Mass, which was written in the 1590's for a recusant Catholic community. Byrd's music has drawn closer to the Flemish style; that is imitative voice parts, largely syllabic in setting with the occasional examples of word-paintings, and the voice parts closer together. But the mood has a different intensity than the writing on Disc one; darker and more questioning. Never was polyphony more passionate than in Byrd's masses,of which the five-part is the crowning achievement.
The members of the Tallis Scholars vary from year to year, and the list of participating singers is included in the accompanying booklet; but it does not tell you which singers are singing each year. That bothered me somewhat because I like to know to whom I am listening specifically. It does mention, however, that the solo group in Allegi's 'Miserere' is Alison Stamp (treble), Michael Chance (countertenor) Jane Armstrong and Julian Walker.
The recording is outstanding in every way. Perfect balance between the voices, perfect emotional investment, flawless dicton and the most beautiful vocal sounds you will ever hear; just Two and One-half hours of pure pleasure!!!!!

Lovely!!!.......2006-06-02

This set of CDs is truly wonderful. I am fond of sacred choral music and purchased the CD mostly to obtain the recording of Gregorio Allegri's "Miserere Mei." This song alone is worth buying the set. I heard it live by an excellent college choir in my hometown and immediately set out to find the best recording of it. Most buyers recommended this recording over the others. (By the way "Miserere Mei: by Gregorio is hard to find.) Additionally the other songs are also so relaxing, flowing, and meditative. I will be honest . . .the Tallis Scholars sing well but not as flawlessly as the Cambridge Singers. You will note that not every consanant is hit in unison, but this is not overly disturbing. (Still that is the only reason for giving four stars instead of five.) The sound is still lovely and the songs gorgeous. In Media Vita is another gorgeous song (first on second CD). If you haven't heard it, I'm sure you'll love the flowing melody!

Beautiful, but a little cold.......2006-02-06

The Tallis Scholars are the zenith of this type of singing, but sometimes they lack the vocal warmth that they probably could achieve if they were guided to do so. Still, this is a great CD, and even better for the 2 CDs of fine and uplifting singing.

The Greatest Hits of a Pioneer Ensemble.......2005-09-27

For years, Tallis Scholars have been quietly revolutionizing our recovery of sacred music. This is their "greatest hits" collection and quite great indeed. The Miserere which begins the set is alone worth the price of the set. The only fault with it is that it is so startling, so obviously genuine, that you will still be hearing it as you play through the rest of the set. The Scholars' ongoing recovery project only proves how integral music is to the human psyche, how essential the sacred is to basic human sanity. And how the severence of the two in the public space and the popular imagination -- the sacred from music -- has severely damaged us all en masse.

Average customer rating:

Blessed
Better than Klonopin
Good voice, but the venerable texts deserve better pronunciation
Spiritual oxygen.
Breathtaking renditions of sacred music

Hymns
Beth Nielsen Chapman
Manufacturer: Emergent
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00064VQVW
Release Date: 2004-11-02

Tracks:

Ave Verum Corpus
Veni Veni Emmanuel
Tantum Ergo
O Salutaris Hostia
Adoramus Te
O Sanctissima
Panis Angelicus
Salve Regina
Hymn To Mary
Oh God Of Loveliness
Dona Nobis Pacem
Ave Maria

Customer Reviews:

Blessed.......2007-06-15

Only the "Holy Spirit" could inspire such a work, listening to these Hymns evokes "HIM" I would pray that many would be compatible with the fine heavenly harmonice on this C D.
Rocky Carr here

Better than Klonopin.......2007-01-16

I read a transcript of an NPR review that said Beth Nielsen Chapman meditated each day at the studio while she was recording this album. It shows. It calms and centers me within 30 seconds. Highly recommended

Good voice, but the venerable texts deserve better pronunciation.......2006-11-12

Beth Chapman has a beautiful voice which is well suited to the hymns she chose for this record, but her pronunciation of Latin is only beginner's-level, and it shows that this isn't her usual genre of music. Several of the hymns contain pronunciation mistakes which will be off-putting to people who know these songs well; they all bear the sound of Latin as sung with a very American accent.

The singers on this recording could have benefited from some pronunciation coaching: classical singers need to learn to pronounce Latin well, but Chapman didn't seem to realize they needed it too.

Spiritual oxygen........2006-10-17

Mother Teresa of Calcutta said, "Make something beautiful for God." Beth Chapman must have been listening when she produced this collection of hymns. Because of B.N.C.'s experience of personal heart-ache that preceded this recording, there's a touching dose of holy sobriety in her delivery. After listening to some snippets on-line, I first bought this for my Mom who is in her 70s. Since I finally bought another copy for myself a few weeks ago, it has dominated my car CD player. My 28 year old son, who doesn't know this pre-Vatican II repertoire, absolutely loves it. This is timeless, edifying stuff -- no artificial ingredients. Thank you, Beth. I'm so glad I found your Hymns project.

Breathtaking renditions of sacred music.......2006-07-05

Chapman takes some of the Christendom's most beautiful music and lends a simple reverence to it that works wonderfully well. She's also written a very sweet new hymn to Mary. I buy virtually no music - my collection is already sufficient. But I only had to hear a bit of one song - Panis Angelicus - to get me onto iTunes for this album.

Every single song is perfectly lovely: quiet and rousing, simple and complex, altogether reverent.

Average customer rating:

Music to Transport You
The wrong CD
Truely the best...
Beautiful
a great cd

Mysteria

Manufacturer: Teldec
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Lost in Meditation: Meditative Gregorian Chants, Vol. 1
Chanticleer: Magnificat (A Capella Works by Josquin, Palestrina, Titov, Victoria, and Others)
Lost in Meditation: Meditative Gregorian Chants
Gregorian Chants: The Best of the Benedictine Monks of St. Michael's
Salve Regina: Gregorian Chant

ASIN: B000000SRW
Release Date: 1995-03-28

Tracks:

Ash Wednesday And Lent: Antiphon: Immutemur
Ash Wednesday And Lent: Kyrie XVII
Ash Wednesday And Lent: Gradual: Laetatus sum
Palm Sunday: Antiphon: Hosanna, Psalm 23
Maundy Thursday: Antiphon: Dominus Jesus
Good Friday: Responsory: Tenebrae factae sunt
Good Friday: Hymn with refrain: Pange lingua, Crux fidelis
Good Friday: Reproaches And Trisagion
Holy Saturday: Responsory: Christus factus est
Holy Saturday: Hymn: Vexilla Regis
EASTER: Gloria In excelsis II
EASTER: Alleluia V. Pascha nostrum
EASTER: Sequence: Victimae paschali laudes
EASTER: Offertory: Iubilate Deo
EASTER: Agnus Dei XVII
In Honor Of The Blessed Virgin Mary: Antiphon: Alma Redmeptoris
In Honor Of The Blessed Virgin Mary: Antiphon: Ave Regina caelorum
In Honor Of The Blessed Virgin Mary: Antiphon: Regina caeli
In Honor Of The Blessed Virgin Mary: Antiphon: Salve Regina

Amazon.com

From the first notes of the Lenten antiphon "Immutemur," you feel a soothing, reassuring calm from Chanticleer's sensuous, lyrical legato style and perfect unison expression and phrasing. This is first class singing, no matter what the repertoire. But this just happens to be chant, which requires a particular sensitivity to syllabic emphasis and to the rise and fall of phrasing, all of which is determined as much by tradition as by sense of the text. Since there is no existing notation that clearly indicates rhythm or meter for the earliest body of chant repertoire, and there is no unbroken line of chant singing that goes back to the first and second centuries, singers have to rely on a certain accepted scholarship and a tradition that's only a couple of hundred years old. Chanticleer's performing decisions here are articulate, musicologically sensible, and above all musically satisfying, taking this music to its proper level of exalted simplicity. The program includes some of the gems of Gregorian chant, such as "Pange lingua, Crux fidelis" and "Victimae paschali laudes." --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

Music to Transport You.......2007-01-21

I love this CD and it accomplishes exactly what I'd hoped it would--it is relaxing, meditative, reflective and beautiful. I use it for my yoga exercises or when I want calming music.

The wrong CD.......2005-09-04

I really made a mistake in choosing this CD. The presentation was near perfect but I was looking for something more than just chanting.

Truely the best..........2003-09-12

...CD of Gregorian Chant (other than that recorded by our local abbey) that I have in my collection. The purity of pronounciation, the precision of timing and phrasing is beyond compare. Whether a lover of chant, or a first time listener, I recommend you give this a try.

Turn out the lights, light some candles, burn some incense and you will be transported to another, far more peaceful and less stressful place. I use this CD to focus on God during my prayer times, and I find it an invaluable worship resource.

Beautiful.......2002-05-19

I came upon Chanticleer through my interest in Renaissance polyphony. I bought their recording of Palestrina's Missa Pro Defunctis and was extremely pleased. I thought at first that they were explicitly dedicated to early music (I had only come across the Palestrina and this chant CD); my impression was that they were a kind of all-male version of the Tallis Scholars. I discovered, though, that they explore all types of music (from early to contemporary, even commissioning new works on a fairly regular basis). I was able to see them in concert a few weeks ago, and as always was impressed with their skill.

This group really does do almost everything well. They have put to disc a recording of Tallis' If Ye Love Me (one of the English Anthems) that is wonderful and sublime. When I heard them a few weeks ago, they did a few 20th century Cuban folk songs that were just as enjoyable. They are known best (probably) for their smooth sound and great blending. There are never any rough edges to any of the voices - even the countertenors, who are really quite skilled, by the way - and their balance is delicate and precise. That same smoothness is present on this CD as well. At times it is hard to believe that several voices are singing; the pitch and intonation is so good that often the 6 or so could pass for one or two. As usual, they are quite sensitive to the dynamics of the vocal line - their approach is subtle, and not forced. The result is an hour or so of chant that is soothing and relaxing, but also engaging and never monotonous.

The only drawback is this: as I understand the current state of "authentic" chant practice, Chanticleer's approach is probably not on the cutting edge of scholarly theory (they do not add some of the melismatic decorations that some groups use, for example). If you are really interested in that authenticity, the smooth voices might turn you off as well; many other groups use coarseness of the voices for texturing. Even if you are a stickler for those things, though, the visceral pleasure of listening to this recording will probably persuade you to put aside some of your ideas about "correct" practice.

On the other end of the spectrum (listeners with not much chant experience) this CD works to great effect as well. Again, the disc is an easy one to listen to; it is quiet and reflective without being spiritless. This CD might be a good choice for first exposure to Gregorian chant.

Highly recommended for all types of listeners. As per usual for Chanticleer, it is high quality work.

a great cd.......2001-10-23

This cd is great if your always feeling stressed out. The cd really shows how beautiful the latin language can be. Gregorian chanting is also one of the most oldest forms of christain worship dating back to a time when people lived in fear of the "dragons" that lived across the Altanic ocean and the "demons" that lived beyond what is now Germany. People looked to a higher power for comfort and still today the music is very relaxing. If you love the haunting latin voices are if your just a fan of the middle ages(the name chanticleer comes from the Chaucer's Canterbury Tales) then this cd is a must for you.

Chanticleer: Magnificat (A Capella Works by Josquin, Palestrina, Titov, Victoria, and Others)

Average customer rating:

Beautiful with excellent sound engineering and singing
Beautiful performances and some nice surprises
Heavenly
Marvelous sound
Gorgeous choral voices surrounding you

Chanticleer: Magnificat (A Capella Works by Josquin, Palestrina, Titov, Victoria, and Others)
Chanticleer , William Cornysh , John Taverner , Claudio Monteverdi , Vasily Polikarpovich Titov , Tomas Luis de Victoria , Vassili Polikarpovich Titov , Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina , Josquin Desprez , and Marianne Kach
Manufacturer: Teldec
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Magnificats | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Partsongs | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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Mysteria
Sing We Christmas
Chanticleer: A Portrait
Our American Journey
Wondrous Love: A World Folk Song Collection

ASIN: B00004SDN3
Release Date: 2000-07-11

Tracks:

Ave Maria
Ave Maria, Mater Dei
Magnificat
Stabat Virgo Maria
Maria, Quid Ploras
The Angel Cried Out
Regina Caeli Laetare
Alma Redemptoris Mater
Ave Maris Stella
O Thou Joy Of All The Sorrowful
Ave Regina Caelorum A 8
Ave Maria A 4
Salve Regina A 5

Amazon.com

In the wake of its previous, Grammy-winning disc of contemporary madrigals (Colors of Love), the all-male a cappella ensemble that calls itself Chanticleer--in homage to Chaucer's Canterbury Tales --comes home to roost in this theme album of early music. After all, this is the territory that Chanticleer first staked out when the group banded together in 1978, and the return is most welcome. Magnificat offers manifold rewards, from the sensitive, imaginative culling of its program to the warmth and lithe interweaving of vocal layers in its execution (vividly recorded in splendid 20/24-bit process at the Skywalker Ranch)--not to mention the capsule music history that it traces. Like depictions of the Annunciation in medieval and Renaissance paintings, musical settings of texts that are centered on Mary abound during this period. Chanticleer's anthology includes familiar gems (the hymn "Ave Maris Stella"), but the group is delightfully unpredictable in many of its choices: examples of the polychoral sacred music of Russian Vasily Titov, contrafactum reworkings of two Monteverdi madrigals to Marian texts, and a full Magnificat setting by Tudor master John Taverner. The latter gives a microcosm of Chanticleer's vocal versatility, presenting stern, unadorned plainsong side-by-side with melodies that blossom like tendrils. Or listen to the ensemble's dynamic control, from the exultant climaxes of the Titov choral concerto to the achingly beautiful, held diminuendo on the second Monteverdi piece. Most impressive of all is that Chanticleer manages to avoid the bane of a cappella groups--a bland, homogenized sameness of sound--through its subtle variations in color and thoughtful musicality. A real treasure. --Thomas May

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful with excellent sound engineering and singing.......2007-06-27

I got what I wanted ---some absolutely beautiful compositions with exquiste voices.
Should be a grammy nominee

Beautiful performances and some nice surprises.......2005-06-17

This is a nice anthology of Renaissance music encompassing key composers of both the Prima and Seconda Prattica, including one or two less known names. The uniting theme is that of they are all in praise of the Virgin Mary. Most of these works are old war horses such as the Josquin Ave Maria which is beautifully performed. Their tempo for the Josquin is similar to that of the spacious approach of the Hilliard Ensemble, and unless you like this music performed at breakneck speed you will likely find this performance perfectly satisfying. If you are interested in an anthology of Renaissance music then this is a great choice, however for those of us with a strong interest in music of this period what really makes this essential listening is the two extraordinary pieces by Vasily Titov.

Titov composed at the time of Tsar Peter the Great's modernisation drive in Russia. He brought in composers from the West and Titov's music represents a marriage of the Italian compositional styles of the Seconda Prattica with the traditions of the Russian Orthodox Church. Like the grand architecture of St Petersburgs, and the Hermitage this is an fascinating mixture of Western influences with distinctly Russian ones. The twelve part polychoral writings have some of the dark solemnity of Russian Orthodox music while clearly being heavily influenced by the likes of Monteverdi, Gabrielli, Lassus and Palestrina. Perhaps a more authentically Russian approach to this music would have given far more prominence to the basses, but this still has trumendous impact. It makes it strange that there is so much interest in composers such as Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov, Moussorsky, Shostakovich and the like but the Early Music movement have yet to catch up with Eastern Europe - Titov is very easily their equal and I would welcome more substantial recordings devoted to exploring this neglected composer.

This is a great recording recommended both to a general audience as well as to lovers of Renaissance music alike. The recorded sound is natural and full bodied. You can pick out individual voices in the chorus without them being drowned into an amorphous porridge of sound - a sign of a good recording. Still, I have heard wider sound staging and a wider dynamic range, so for all its virtues this is almost - but not quite - audiophile quality. Clearly a SACD format DSD recording would have been preferable.

Heavenly.......2003-01-04

This is one of my first two DVD-audio discs. Some tracks are recorded from the audience perspective, with the choir across the front and cathedral ambience all around, and those are beautiful, but I gotta say I love the, "choir-around the room" recordings a little more. Track 3 in particular has the choir "doubled" with parts recorded seperately with the choir at the rear of the cathedral, a then they moved 'em all down front, and stuck the tracks together through the magic of digital editing. I don't have a DVD-audio player yet so I'm just listening to the compressed Dolby 5.1 tracks. Can't imagine it sounding any better, though. Get this disc. Seriously, do it so you can go to heaven!

Marvelous sound.......2002-03-08

This recording wraps you up in a gorgeous sonority, and I'm only listening in stereo. I can't wait to hear it when I fill out my speaker ensemble.

Gorgeous choral voices surrounding you.......2002-02-03

I hesitated to buy this disc until a friend told me he knew one of the members of Chanticleer; then again I also had nothing like it in my collection. The sound is rich and resonant. You should know it is recorded realistically, in a variety of soundfields, i.e. sometimes there is a processional from front to rear, sometimes choruses on upper left/right, or from all around you, depending on the material. If that sounds disconcerting be assured it isn't. This is a beautiful and soothing disc with a nice variety to it, and the sound is wonderful.

Monteverdi: Vespro della Beata Vergine 1610/Venetian Vespers

Average customer rating:

Just beautiful
wonderful
A reasonable bargain(?)
Punctilious Research and Performance Practice
Easily the best recording of the Vespers

Monteverdi: Vespro della Beata Vergine 1610/Venetian Vespers

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

$7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Gabrieli · Monteverdi · Vivaldi - Venetian Church Music / Taverner Consort, Choir & Players · Andrew Parrott
Josquin Desprez: Motets & Chansons
Palestrina: Missa Papae Marcelli, Missa Aeterna
Monteverdi - L'Orfeo / Rolfe Johnson, Dawson, von Otter, Argenta, M. Nichols, Tomlinson, Chance, Baird; Gardiner
Bach: Magnificat; Easter Oratorio

ASIN: B000031WJB
Release Date: 2000-04-11

Tracks:

Vespro Della Beata Vergine 1610: Versiculus, Canto Gregoriano: Deus In Adiutorium
Vespro Della Beata Vergine 1610: Responsorium: Domine Ad Adiuvandum Me Festina
Vespro Della Beata Vergine 1610: Antiphona, Canto Gregoriano
Vespro Della Beata Vergine 1610: Psalmus I: Psalmus 109: Dixit Dominus
Vespro Della Beata Vergine 1610: Con: Nigra Sum
Vespro Della Beata Vergine 1610: Antiphona II, Canto Gregoriano: Maria Virgo Assumpta Est
Vespro Della Beata Vergine 1610: Psalmus II: Psalmus 112: Laudate Pueri
Vespro Della Beata Vergine 1610: Con: Pulchra Es
Vespro Della Beata Vergine 1610: Antiphona III, Canto Gregoriano: In Odorem Unguentorum Tuorum...
Vespro Della Beata Vergine 1610: Psalmus III: Psalmus 121: Laetatus Sum
Vespro Della Beata Vergine 1610: Son
Vespro Della Beata Vergine 1610: Antiphona IV, Canto Gregoriano: Benedicta Filia Tua Domino
Vespro Della Beata Vergine 1610: Psalmus IV: Psalmus 126: Nisi Dominus
Vespro Della Beata Vergine 1610: Con: Audi Coelum
Vespro Della Beata Vergine 1610: Antiphona V, Canto Gregoriano: Pulchra Es Et Decora, Filia...
Vespro Della Beata Vergine 1610: Psalmus IV:: Psalmus V: Psalmus 147: Lauda Jerusalem Dominum
Vespro Della Beata Vergine 1610: Son
Vespro Della Beata Vergine 1610: Capitulum, Canto Gregoriano: In Omnibus Requiem Quaesivi
Vespro Della Beata Vergine 1610: Hymnus: Ave Maris Stella
Vespro Della Beata Vergine 1610: Versus Et Responsorium
Vespro Della Beata Vergine 1610: Antiphona VI, Canto Gregoriano: Hodie Maria Virgo Caelos Ascendit
Vespro Della Beata Vergine 1610: Son Sopra Sancta Maria

Tracks:

Vespro Della Beata Vergine 1610: Magnificat
Vespro Della Beata Vergine 1610: Oratio, Canto Gregoriano: Dominus Vobiscum
Vespro Della Beata Vergine 1610: Versus, Canto Gregoriano: Dominus Vobiscum
Vespro Della Beata Vergine 1610: Con: Duo Seraphim
Vespro Della Beata Vergine 1610: Antiphona Beatae Mariae Virginis: Salve Regina
Vespro Della Beata Vergine 1610: Versus Et Responsorium, Canto Gregoriano: Ora Pro Nobis
Vespro Della Beata Vergine 1610: Oratio, Canto Gregoriano: Domine Vobiscum
Vespro Della Beata Vergine 1610: Conclusio, Canto Gregoriano: Divinum Auxilium Maneat Semper...
Selva Morale E Spirituale 1641: Psalmus 109: Dixit Dominus
Selva Morale E Spirituale 1641: Psalmus 110: Confitebor Tibi Domine
Selva Morale E Spirituale 1641: Psalmus 111: Beatus Vir
Selva Morale E Spirituale 1641: Psalmus 112: Laudate Pueri
Selva Morale E Spirituale 1641: Psalmus 116: Laudate Dominum
Selva Morale E Spirituale 1641: Salve Regina

Customer Reviews:

Just beautiful.......2007-03-20

This CD captures both the gutsy energy and the ethereal beauty of Monteverdi's sacred choral music. I have neither performed nor even listened to his music for a long time, and this CD re-awakened me to its richness and compelling quality. There is a reason why we consider Monteverdi a "great" composer, and this CD shows it.

wonderful.......2005-09-28

The singing and playing on this recording are truly delightful. The overall concept of the work is good. I love this recording.

But, like too many recordings of the vespers, it includes gregorian chant antiphons sung between the movements. Now either Monteverdi wrote this piece as a "piece" to be performed, in which case I believe the solo movements were meant to take the place of the traditional chant, or it is a collection of wonderful psalm settings and other sacred movements, in which case what is the point of adding music not written by Monteverdi? The same argument goes for the instrumental sonatas thrown in here. My personal belief is that Monteverdi, the first great opera composer, wrote these psalm settings over a period of time, and then put them together with the other movements to make a unified whole for publication. The other recording I own of this work, Gardiner's first recording of it, has a much nicer flow because there is no chant.

I must say that I love the clarity this version gives with one voice on a line, and I play both cd's often.

A reasonable bargain(?).......2005-07-02

Claudio Monteverdi's Vespers of 1610 are increasingly becoming to be seen as a landmark work in the history of Western music. This is one of the most outstanding works of the late Renaissance composers of the Seconda Prattica (Second Pratice) amongst whom Monteverdi - one of the fathers of opera - was arguably the most forward looking. In fact Monteverdi is so forward looking he is often described as being an early Baroque composer. Elements of the work are highly conservative such as the widespread writing in multiple parts - a practice that had already become increasingly unusual by this time (and totally anachronistic by Bach's time), yet the entire work contains a fantastic profusion of colourful music and an instrumental ensemble which is varied to match the mood of each piece. In this regard his music can be compared to the paintings of Titian with its typical Venetian overflow of exuberance and colourfulness, that contrasts markedly with the Northern sobriety of the sacred works of Bach. This a work of unbridled sensuality and yet of luxurious refinement.

I have listened to this version of the Monteverdi Vespers for many years and have always somehow been left feeling partially dissatisfied by it despite the lavish praise heaped upon it by many reviewers over the years. Certainly it has it moments of greatness, yet I wish the reading as a whole would cohere more. Although the singers here are all stars, a star studded legion of singers do not an ensemble make. So I have waited years to find a recording that might surplant it. Years went by and recordings came and went without anything really grabbing my attention. Then recently I discovered a recording that seems to have eluded me: Masaaki Suzuki with the Bach Collegium Japan on the Swedish boutique label Bis (ASIN B00005K2BK).

Of course the virtues of their Bach are well known and many a reviewer has written their story of at first ridiculing the thought of a Japanese period instrument group to then being completely floored by their performances again and again. Suzuki seems to have everything I have every felt was missing in the Parrott, even if here and there Parrott has some altenative insights (the Nisi Dominus is an example where Suzuki seems dangerously over-exuberant!), these moments are rare exceptions. Suzuki fully captures that uninhibited Venetian exuberance of the writing bringing the whole together as a whole rather than just having sporadic moments. Still, the lush modal harmonies seem just that much more succulent and the resultant expressive impact is incomparable. For someone who has tolerated the Parrott for almost ten years the weight of burden being lifted was just huge!

For the price I guess if you need a budget version, then the Parrott is now competitive especially if you prefer your Monteverdi sung one to a part. However, the BIS recording for Suzuki is, as usual from them, just stunning. In the BIS recording there is far greater spaciousness and air around the instruments and voices, with timbre coming through in all its riches without being bleached. The BIS recoridng is fair audiophile quality (it is BIS policy to avoid compression devices or blatant post-production processing), that renders it first choice to anyone for whom recorded sound quality dictates preferences. The EMI recording for Parrott sounds like early 16-bit digital sound at its thinnest and boxiest - a fact exacerbated by the glassiness that comes with Virgin sound transfers (Virgin desperately need to review their remastering and digital transfer equipment/methods). You certainly get what you pay for.

So take your pick - the cheap and easy option of Parrott or the rich fullness of Suzuki's Dionysian exuberance. Also there is always Rinaldo Alessandrino version for those insistent on hearing this sung one to a part - the sound there is even better than on the BIS.

Punctilious Research and Performance Practice.......2004-12-29

Recorded in 1983 and 1984 at All Saints’ Church, Tooting (London), this double CD is still something of a classic, presenting Monteverdi’s 1610 Vespers in punctilious historical performance practice, basically using, despite the large forces involved, soloists to perform most of the material. Together with Hugh Keyte, Andrew Parrott researched the history of church music in Venice at the end of the 16th and the first half of the 17th centuries, and then arranged the Vespers in a form which, although certainly not the only one possible, would have been acceptable for sacred service at St. Mark’s Cathedral in Venice during the first years of Monteverdi’s tenure there. The one unhistorical aspect of the recording is the use of female sopranos, but as Andrew Parrott points out, the sound of "castrati" just cannot be reproduced today, and he feels that using boys or countertenors would not be as appropriate as using genuine soprano voices.

This is, of course, a very British production, and a large number of Britain’s early music stars (at least from the early 80’s) were involved in the production. There are solo passages sung by Emma Kirkby, David Thomas, Nigel Rogers, Tessa Bonner, Evelyn Tubb, Emily Van Evera, Margaret Philpot, Rogers Covey-Crump, Andrew King, Richard Wistreich and others, and the Taverner Players count some of Britain’s most distinguished period instrument players among their ranks: John Holloway, Micaela Comberti, Trevor Jones, Mark Caudle, Susan Sheppard, Jennifer Ward-Clarke, Francis Baines, Bruce Dickey, Lisa Beznosiuk, Rachel Beckett, Anthony Bailes, Nigel North, John Toll … and so the list goes on. If you are a fan of the British early music scene, you will have heard of all these names and will know what a wonderful treat awaits you when you turn your CD player on.

And a wonderful treat it is indeed, although the opening Gregorian chant with its empty church echo does sound a little strange. But from Track 2 onwards, the whole begins to sound glorious, a continuous stream of delightful vocal and instrumental passages with all the wonderful typically Monteverdian sounds that early music fans have come to appreciate. Special mention for Nigel Rogers, Andrew King and Joseph Cornwell who offer a superb “Duo seraphim” without the high-voiced contortions of a René Jacobs. Of the female soloists, only Emily Van Evera sounds a little sharp on occasion, but that is something that can be accepted in view of the total quality of the recording. Personally, I have come to love and appreciate this version a little more than Philip Pickett’s 90’s version for Decca’s early music imprint L’Oiseau-Lyre, where the sound is never quite so convincing as here.

Easily the best recording of the Vespers.......2004-03-13

Andrew Parrott's recording is rightly considered by critics and listeners alike as THE recording of Monteverdi's Vespers of 1610. Using minimal forces, the individual voices layering upon one another can be clearly heard, not drowned out into a mass of sound as in many "fuller" recordings. The only other "five-star" recording of the Vespers is the Konrad Junghanel with Cantus Colln.
If I could only own one recording of this work, the Andrew Parrott would me the one.

Average customer rating:

Music of the people
Good But Not Haunting Or Mysterious.
Very Good Traditional Hymns
Disappointing
Yes, these are great Catholic songs

Catholic Classics, Vol. 2

Manufacturer: Gia Publications
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Chants | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Catholic Classics 1
May Angels Welcome You/ Catholic
Catholic Classics, Vol. 5
Be Not Afraid
City of God

ASIN: B000003YLJ
Release Date: 1996-11-19

Tracks:

Amazing Grace
Be Not Afraid
Keep In Mind
Let There Be Peace On Earth
Ps. 23: Shepherd Me, O God
Ye Watchers And Ye Holy Ones
Eye Has Not Seen
You Satisfy The Hungry Heart
Salve Regina
Peace Is Flowing Like A River
To Jesus Christ, Our Sovereign King

Customer Reviews:

Music of the people.......2005-04-23

On Eagles Wings is most definatly inspired.... Latin Music is great if you understand itm but I have not heard any conversations in Latin lately. The most important aspect of liturgy is the participation of the assembly and if the assembly (or most of it) does not understand what is being sung or said What's the use? Catholic Tradition is great kept alive on CD for those who want to walk down memory lane but it is a Vatican 2 church......deal with it or get out and join one of those rougue churches that say mass in Latin and stop trying to move backwards. There is nothing more powerful than a singing actively participating church.......let's not stiffle the voice of the Body of Christ.

Good But Not Haunting Or Mysterious........2005-02-27

Hello, this music is good but it is not haunting,mysterious,Otherworldly,or timeless like Gregorian Chant or The Latin Mass now all I can say is that we as catholics threw out 1400 years of beautiful music for junk like "On Eagles Wings".Though To the person who said they prefer this to the pre-vatican 2 dirge music you are very close-minded and devoid of art and beauty and judging by what you said you are part of what I call the weak generation of Catholics who are only catholic on paper and have no sense of history for your very beautiful and mysterious church. Most people from that generation see the catholic church only after vatican 2 and you forget about the past councils and teachings of the Catholic church and it's history,I mean there is a reason they kept it so long it was for it's goodness(if it was bad it would not lasted 1400 years) as a priest on EWTN said to those who say "That is so pre-vatican 2" "So was Jesus." You see Latin Is very Beautiful and Mysterious language and it is a very catholic thing I mean whats more catholic then Gregorian Chant or the Latin Mass it's timeless like the church itself we as catholics need to start reclaiming are heritage from the likes of liberal priest and bishops of the 60's generation regardless of what they say there do as you please Mass is not in the spirit of Vatican II which allowed the use of vernacular in the Mass but it did not intend for Latin and Gregororian Chant to disappear it said to preserve it and give it, it's proper place that is what has been the intention of every pope since including this one they have all encouraged the use of Latin and Gregorian Chant in the mass.
How can anyone one not like it,it's very beautiful and it's been around for 1400 years how can one say that singer songwriter stuff which no one will remember in 50 years be better then this it's like seeing heaven and saying you prefer the world(alot of people unfortunatly do this.) Though to ansewer the question of it being to sad yes it is very somber and mournful but thats because the sacrifice of mass is a very solemn ceromony it was never meant to be celebrated in rock or jazz or polka or any other abuses by certain clergy. If alot of these ignorant catholics only knew what took place at the mass they would understand. You know you should be proud of the fact you are catholic because we have many gifts the protestants don't have(In the sacrements,the liturgy,the art and the music.) So I say to you now even you prefer the vernacular have respect and appreciation of what came before you in are Holy Catholic Church. Oh by the way I am 19 about to be 20 and Vatican II was a good thing it retouched are faith as Cardinal Francis Aziz said. Though I believe many people misinterpret it.
I suggest watching EWTN alot or really studying your faith and I like both Novus Ordo And Tridentine Rite.
More of a rant not a review but these songs have there moments and there are many Vernacular songs I like.

Dominus Vobiscum.
Et Cum Spirtu Tuo.

Very Good Traditional Hymns.......2004-05-30

It sounds like you are in Church, and that is what I was looking for. I especially like the Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones, Peace is flowing like a river, and Let There Be Peace on Earth.

Some of the other songs were better done by other artists. Like Shepherd Me is done better by the original Marty Haugen. This version is good, but not as good as Marty's. And I was not particularly fond of this version of Amazing Grace.

Overall I would recommend you buy a copy for your collection. The songs which are good, are very good.

Disappointing.......2004-04-01

This CD was not at all what I expected. It sounds just like you are in Church. Every song is accompanied by an organ and most of them sung in soprano. The tempo of all the songs is very slow too! I was looking for something I could sing along to, not put me to sleep! On the positive side, there are some beautiful songs, I just wish they were sung more "up beat".

Yes, these are great Catholic songs.......2004-02-07

I grew up with the music of the St. Louis Jesuits and this CD is a good representation of the BEST. In the spirit of Be Not Afraid, I am Near You, on Eagles Wings are all songs I loved in high school, college, and adult life. We sing most of these songs regularly at Mass. These are pleasant renditions of inspirational songs that uplift - in my opinion they are far better than much of the dirge music pre-vatican II.

Music Review: