Gregorian Requiem

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
Reflecting a wonderful heritage, the Requiem masses are some of the deepest, richest, and most penetrating of Gregorian Chants, moving from penitence to hope and joy.

Tracks:

Gloria In Excelsis Deo - Academy And Chorus Of St Martin In The Fields
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Zadok The Priest - Ambrosian Singers
Miserere Mei, Deus - Gerald Finley
Veni Creator Spiritus - Choir Of The Monks Of The Benedictine Monastery Of Santo Domingo De Silos
Lacrimosa - London Philharmonic Choir
For Unto Us A Child Is Born - Ambrosian Singers
The Heavens Are Telling - John Shirley-Quirk
Panis Angelicus - Halle Choir
Ave Maria - Groupe Vocal De France
Ode To Joy - The Westminster Choir
Va, Pensiero - Chorus Of the Royal Opera House
Chorus Of Slave Girls - Chorus Of The National Theatre Of Sophia
Coro De Romanticos - Coro Cantores De Madrid
In Paradisum - Choir Of Kings College, Cambridge
Totus Tuus - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Song For Athene - Winchester Cathedral Choir
Celebration - London Symphony Chorus
Jerusalem - Royal Choral Society

Tracks:

Zion Hort Die Wachter - South German Madrigal Choir
Pleni Sunt Coeli Et Terra - Charles Brett
Hallelujah Chorus - Ambrosian Singers
Thou Knowest, Lord - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Veni Sancte Spiritus - Choir Of The Monks Of The Benedictine Monastery Of Santo Domingo De Silos
Awake The Harp - City Of Birmingham Symphony Chorus
And Then Shall Your Light Break Forth - New Philharmonia Chorus
L'Adieu Des Bergers - Choeurs Rene Duclos
Agnus Dei - Peter Barley
Cantique De Jean Racine - MONKS AND CHOIRBOYS OF DOWNSIDE ABBEY
Ave Verum Corpus - Schutz Consort
Begluckt Darf Nun Dich, O Heimat - Bavarian State Opera Chorus, Munich
Vedi! Le Fosche Notturne Spoglie - Chorus Of the Royal Opera House
Laudamus Te - Radio France Chorus
Chichester Psalms - Rachel Masters
The Lamb - Vasari Singers
Agnus Dei - Winchester Cathedral Choir
Requiem Aeternam - Choir Of Kings College, Cambridge
Dies Irae - Philharmonia Chorus
O Fortuna - London Philharmonic Choir
Pomp And Circumstance March No. 1 (Land Of Hope Glory) - Royal Choral Society

Customer Reviews:

I love it and I give it as a gift.......2006-12-11

This is the first collection of choral music that I've purchased and I love it. I own copies of operas and requiems and masses, but if you attend choral concerts, as I have been recently, you learn there is a huge colletion of choral music appart from the forms I've been listening to. I appreciate the producers selecting "Song for Athene" by Tavener and "Celebration (Standing Stone)" by McCartney. They are new to me and I love them. Disk 1 ends with "Jerusalem" and Disk 2 ends with "Land of Hope and Glory." As an American I rarely hear these and I am so glad they were included. I believe this album was intended to help popularize choral music and I believe the selections do fine job towards that end.

I know snobs rage against popularizing classical music, but everyone deserves exposure to the beauty of song. I will also mention here "The East Village Opera Company" because they work to popularize opera by setting it to a rock beat. They do a fine job but also get criticized for attempting to popularize classical music.

"The Best Choral Album in the World...Ever" was so popular with my teen-age daughter that it was hard to get it back from her. I give the album as a gift to nephews and nieces.

MarMSED.......2005-08-27

The music selections are extraordinary. The only problem has to do with the balance of sound. There are some parts that are very loud, and some that are so very soft. You have to continually adjust the volume.

Diverse range but the songs are butchered..........2005-07-24

Well, this CD isn't horrible by any stretch, but it is irritating to someone who's more than a casual listener of choral music. I'm by no means as musically "literate" as many reviewers out there, but I have a collection of probably twenty-five or thirty choral CD's and this is one that will probably be gathering dust in the back of the CD book.

The peices are well-performed for the most part, but they are hopelessly edited. Beethoven's Ode to Joy is somewhere around twenty four minutes, but this CD only includes an arrangement of about five minutes. The beautiful Miserere is, uncut, almost eleven minutes but is cut down to five and a half minutes here.

Looking back, I should have realized the major editing that would be involved, just by the sheer number of peices on it. I'm familiar with a great many of them and I know they're too long to fit onto a seventy minute disc without some major cutting going on. I just didn't reason that out before I shelled out the money for it.

Bottom line. This CD has decent singing, but is nothing special. If you're a newcomer to this genre, you might get this as a quick overview of the different types of choral music out there, but if you're any kind of an avid listener, this CD will drive you insane with the severity of the cuts. Beginners, if you're looking for a great collection CD, you'd do better to look at "Choral Moods". It doesn't have the diversity in styles of this one, but it will introduce you to incredibly talented composers. To the old hats out there, steer clear of this one and look to CD's by your preferred individual composers themselves. It's more money, but much less frustration in the long run. The old sayings are sometimes the best: You get what you pay for.

Durufle: Requiem, Mass-Con Jubilo, Motets / Plasson, von Otter

Average customer rating:

Such a Beautiful Requiem
Great French Music
All things bright and beautiful...
PERFECTION!!

Durufle: Requiem, Mass-Con Jubilo, Motets / Plasson, von Otter
Maurice Duruflé , Michel Plasson , Anne Sofie von Otter , Marie-Claire Alain , Thomas Hampson , Orchestre du Capitole de Toulouse , and Orféon Donostiarra
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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

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Berlioz: Requiem; Boito: Prologue to Mefistofele
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Duruflé: Requiem Op.9/Messe Cum Jubilo,Op.11

ASIN: B000031X3K
Release Date: 2000-02-01

Tracks:

Requiem pour soli, choeur, orchestre & orgue, Op.9: I Introit
Requiem pour soli, choeur, orchestre & orgue, Op.9: II Kyrie
Requiem pour soli, choeur, orchestre & orgue, Op.9: III Domine Jesus Christe
Requiem pour soli, choeur, orchestre & orgue, Op.9: Hostias
Requiem pour soli, choeur, orchestre & orgue, Op.9: IV Sanctus
Requiem pour soli, choeur, orchestre & orgue, Op.9: V Pie Jesu
Requiem pour soli, choeur, orchestre & orgue, Op.9: VI Agnus Dei
Requiem pour soli, choeur, orchestre & orgue, Op.9: VII Lux aeterna
Requiem pour soli, choeur, orchestre & orgue, Op.9: VIII Libera me
Requiem pour soli, choeur, orchestre & orgue, Op.9: IX In Paradisum
Messe (cum jubilo) pour baryton solo, choeur de barytons, orchestre & orgue, Op.11: I Kyrie
Messe (cum jubilo) pour baryton solo, choeur de barytons, orchestre & orgue, Op.11: II Gloria
Messe (cum jubilo) pour baryton solo, choeur de barytons, orchestre & orgue, Op.11: III Sanctus
Messe (cum jubilo) pour baryton solo, choeur de barytons, orchestre & orgue, Op.11: IV Benedictus
Messe (cum jubilo) pour baryton solo, choeur de barytons, orchestre & orgue, Op.11: V Agnus Dei
4 Motets sur des themes gregoriens pour choeur a cappella, Op.10: I Ubi caritas (4 voix mixtes)
4 Motets sur des themes gregoriens pour choeur a cappella, Op.10: II Tota pulchra es (3 voix de femmes)
4 Motets sur des themes gregoriens pour choeur a cappella, Op.10: III Tu es Petrus (4 voix mixtes)
4 Motets sur des themes gregoriens pour choeur a cappella, Op.10: IV Tantum ergo (4 voix mixtes)
Notre Pere pour choeur a cappella (4 voix mixtes), Op.14

Amazon.com

This is the 1947, full-orchestra version of Maurice Duruflé's Requiem, one of the 20th century's most beloved choral works. It's the first of three versions the composer made of the piece. Despite the enhanced intimacy of the smaller-scale versions, the original offers a rich orchestral tapestry, especially compelling in the performance by Michel Plasson's forces, without diminishing the work's radiant beauties or its spiritual depths. Those virtues are enhanced by the singing of Anne Sofie von Otter and Thomas Hampson. The chorus, a weak element in the Requiem, shines brighter on the rest of the disc, which gathers all of Duruflé's choral music. The Mass is more assertive than the Requiem and should be heard more often. It gets a powerful performance here, as do the miniature Motets, intense in their restrained beauties. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

Such a Beautiful Requiem.......2006-04-20

If you're a fan of requiems (especially the ones made by Brahms, Faure, and Berlioz) then you'll love this one by Maurice Durufle. It sounds so angelic and passionate. Michel Plasson's superb handling of the Orchestre du Capitole de Toulouse and the Orfeon Donostiarra gives makes this piece of work shine with full fervor and magnificence. The vocal soloists, von Otter and Hampson, never miss a step. This is a beautiful, but sometimes neglected, requiem, and it should be more recognized from outside of France.

Great French Music.......2006-02-27

I love this composition and its rendition by Michael Plasson. However, the inept sound recording used on this CD greatly reduces its value. Wish it were issued on SACD.

All things bright and beautiful..........2005-09-01

I've listened to 4 different recordings of Durufle's Requiem closely: Santa Cecilia National Academy Orchestra Rome with Cecilia Bartoli and Conducted by Myung-Whun Chung, Voices of Ascension Chorus & Orchestra with Patricia Spence and Conducted by Dennis Keene, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra & Chorus with Judith Blegen and Conducted by Robert Shaw, and this one. And I have to say that this is my favorite. The textures are richer and the performances by the orchestra and choir are better than the others. I will admit though that Cecilia Bartoli gets my vote for most beautiful performance of the Pie Jesu, but Anne Sofie von Otter's rendition is also very nice.
However, if you're looking for just one recording of Durufle's Requiem, this should be the one.

PERFECTION!!.......2001-08-13

This is one of the most beautiful CDs on the face of the planet. Durufle, a composer of the French Organ School, was a composer who possessed much reserve and this shows through in the restrained beauty of his music. Of particular interest is Track 16, UBI CARITAS--Durufle as well as the chorus are at their best here. The chorus sings the beautiful motet gently and with much feeling. The sublime beauty of this work of art instantly brings Durufle as an equal to that of Mozart, Bach, Handel, Vivaldi, and Beethoven. This music is not for those who like humungous bangs but rather those who can appreiate the quiet dignity of this man's work.

Average customer rating:

Heavenly
The Holy Grail of Choral Recordings
One Small Correction
Gorgeous music, gorgeous performances
Stunning collection suitable for music nuts or newbies alike

Choral Moods

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Choral Masterpieces
Agnus Dei: Music of Inner Harmony
The Only Choral CD You'll Ever Need
Tears from Heaven
Agnus Dei II: Music to soothe the soul

ASIN: B00000DFKO
Release Date: 1998-10-13

Tracks:

Miserere Mei, Deus
Deutsche Messe D.872: Sanctus
Hear My Prayer, Oh Lord
Timor Et Tremor
Videntes Stellam
Psalm 13, OP.27
O Salutaris Hostia
Salvette Flores
Evening Hymn
L'enfance du Christ: Shepherd's Farewell
Ave Maria
Advent Responsory
Ave Maria OP.93
Edi Beo Thu, Hevene Quene
Missa Cum Iubilo (Gregorian Chant): Kyrie
Missa Cum Iubilo (Gregorian Chant): Gloria
Missa Cum Iubilo (Gregorian Chant): Sanctus & Benedictus
Missa Cum Iubilo (Gregorian Chant): Agnus Dei
Requiem: In Paradisum
Agnus Dei

Tracks:

Nunc Dimittis
Mass In G: Agnus Dei
Ave Verum Corpus Op. 65 No. 1
O Ignis Spiritus Paracliti
Hear My Prayer
Ave Maria
Panis Angelicus
Eternal Father
Vom Himmel Hoch
Ave Maria
Messe basse: Kyrie
Messe basse: Sanctus
Messe basse: Benedictus
Messe basse: Agnus Dei
Rejoice, Rejoice
Salve Regina, Op. 67 No. 1
Ave, Verum Corpus
Laudi Alla Vergine Maria
Tenebrae Facta Sunt
O Sacrum Convivium

Customer Reviews:

Heavenly.......2007-03-29

This is the most uplifting music I have encountered. The angelic sounds of this choral group help me stay sane on California highways!

The Holy Grail of Choral Recordings.......2006-07-03

This was the first choral CD I've ever purchased when I started becomming involved with choir during my senior year of high school five years ago. My director was telling the choir that he had finally found his copy at a music store and referred to it as the "Holy Grail" of choral recordings. So, I went out to find my own copy and I'm still blown away by it today. I've even given copies as gifts. The music is certainly relaxing and such, but what I most value from it is the spiritual magic. The Choir of Trinity College, Cambridge (then and now my favorite choir in the world) brings every composition to life in such a way that's pure, elegant, and deep. Listening to this music and enjoying this choir has allowed me to set my own standard of singing and compositional excellence.

One Small Correction.......2004-03-06

I keep finding new things to love on this CD, including the fact that it has the first recording I found of Gabriel Faure's beautiful Soprano (or Soprano/Alto) duet Ave Maria., Opus 93. The same recording appears on another CD where the singers are named. The above description of this selection unaccountably adds a baritone. Incidentally, Faure also composed a shorter SATB Ave Maria, which John Rutter has recorded.

I only wish the recording included the complete text of Psalm 50/51 from Gregorio Allegri's Miserere Mei Deus. This might come from John Rutter's recently edited score, published by Oxford Press, if I'm not mistaken. I, for one, do not find this selection (or indeed the entire recording) too long and I believe that the embellishments at the end (mentioned in another review) are probably correct when considering performance conventions of the time of its composition.

Gorgeous music, gorgeous performances.......2003-06-19

I am a semi-professional singer with a BA in Music, and I bought this CD with some trepidation because it looked like one of those dreadful "pop classical" compilations that are everywhere lately. But it had lots of great repertoire all in on place, so I decided to risk it, and I was not disappointed! In fact, this is now one of my favorite choral CDs.

As usual, the Choir of Trinity College delivers stunning performances, and the music itself is just gorgeous. Lots of "church" favorites from a wide range of musical periods. The mood of the CD is definitely on the mellow side, but it's perfect for those quiet moods. I love this CD -- highly recommended!

Stunning collection suitable for music nuts or newbies alike.......2002-03-18

Even as an avid fan of classical music with very picky tastes, there was just so much good music packed on these two (cheap!) discs for me to take in at once!
The perfectly balanced and locked chords can really give you chills.

Tracks:

Agnus Dei - National Youth Choir Of Great Britain
Gollum's Song - Nic Raine
II. Adagio - Julia Thornton
In Trutina - Janice Watson
Gnossienne No.1 - Anne Queffelec
Eddie - Michael Nyman
Puer Natus Est Nobis - Choir Of The Monks Of The Benedictine Monastery Of Santo Domingo, Silos Ismael Fernandez De La Cuesta
Meditation - Paul Tortelier
Agnus Dei - Winchester Cathedral Choir, David Hill
II. Andante - Diana Ambache
Air 'On The G String' - English Chamber Orchestra
The Swan - Susan Tomes
II. Adagio - Sharon Isbin
Requiem - Stephen Farr
Venus, The Bringer Of Peace - Sir Charles Mackerras

Tracks:

II. Largo - Christopher Warren-Green
Canon In D - Halle Orchestra
II. Largo Ma Non Tanto - Alison Bury
Lascia Ch'io Pianga - Fabio Zanon
Guitar Concerto In D - Sharon Isbin
Aria - Maggie Cole
Ombra Mai Fu - Gerard Lesne
II. Andantino - James Galway
Liebestraum No.3 - Kun Woo P aik
Bailero - Arleen Auger
Gabriel's Oboe - Ennio Morricone
Pie jesu - Edward Saklatvala
Variation 18 - Mikhail Pletnev
Song For Athene - Winchester Cathedral Choir, David Hill
II. Andante - Dmitri Alexeev
Benedictus - National Youth Choir Of Great Britain

Customer Reviews:

Great Bliss for Your Buck!.......2007-01-13

Wonderful combination & range of classical music from both centuries past and current day. Included are two disks of soothing, relaxing bliss.

The Best Classical Album in the World... Ever!

Average customer rating:

Forget what they SAY
Most Aggravating Album in the World!
A fair introduction to Classical Music
Great for Beginners
Exellent compilation

The Best Classical Album in the World... Ever!
Stanley Myers , Antonio Vivaldi , Gregorian Chant , John Williams , Edward Elgar , Giuseppe Verdi , Giacomo Puccini , Michael Nyman , Edvard Grieg , Ludwig van Beethoven , Umberto Giordano , Riccardo Muti , Fryderyk Chopin , Tomaso Giovanni Albinoni , Georges Bizet , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Johann Pachelbel , Antonin Dvorak , Carl Orff , Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Léo Delibes , George Gershwin , Maurice Ravel , Charles Gounod , Erik Satie , Sergey Prokofiev , and Sergey Rachmaninov
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002S6K
Release Date: 1996-04-23

Tracks:

The Four Seasons: Concerto No.1 In E 'Spring': I. Allegro
Schindler's List: Theme
Requiem: Ingemisco
The Piano: The Heart Asks Pleasure First
Symphony No.5 In C Minor: I. Allegro con brio
The Deer Hunter: Cavatina
Puer natus est nobis
Cello Concerto In E Minor: I. Adagio
Turandot: Nessun dorma
Piano Concerto: I. Allegro molto moderato
Andrea Chenier: La mamma morta
Waltz No.6 In D Flat, 'Minute'
Adagio In G Minor
Carmen: Habanera
Horn Concerto No.4 In E Flat: III. Rondo (Allegro vivace)
Canon In D
Gianni Schicchi: O mio babbino caro
New World Symphony: II. Largo
La Traviata: Brindisi
Carmina Burana: O Fortuna

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No.1In B Flat Minor: I. Allegro non troppo e molto maestoso (Opening)
Symphony No.3 'Symphony Of Sorrowful Songs': II. Lento e largo - Tranquillissimo
Flute and Harp Concerto In C: II. Andantino
Lakme: Flower Duet
The Four Seasons: Winter: I. Allegro non molto
Porgy And Bess: Summertime
Bolero
Ave Maria
Gymnopedie No.1
Romeo & Juliet: Montagues and Capulets
Rhapsody On A Theme OF Paganinni: Variation 18
Walking In The Air
Sonata No.14 In C Sharp Minor 'Moonlight': I. Adagio sostenuto
Messiah: Hallelujah Chorus
Eine kleine Nachtmusik: I. Allegro
NIMROD: Enigma Variations
Swan Lake: Act One: Finale
Orchestral Suite No.3 In D: Air on the G String
The Planets: Jupiter
1812 Overture

Customer Reviews:

Forget what they SAY.......2003-11-10

Many of these prior reviewers complain that the abundance of operas and vocals degrate this compilation. They don't know what they're talking about. These genres are what made Classical music popular in it's age. In that era the forum for showcasing "classical music" was operas! Hence why most of these works are lost in the shuffle. Most of us know Mozart and Beethoven's compositions by ear but there are so many other great composers that existed and these CD's will show you but a PIECE. But, fair warning, these CD's show only a small fraction of the whole movement (song). If you truly dig the genre you're in for a treat, investigate!

Most Aggravating Album in the World!.......2002-05-26

This CD is the first thing I ever returned to Amazon. It is an inferior product--selections cut off abruptly before the end, volume fades and returns in the middle of a cut...production values are pure schlock here. Maybe I should have expected as much from such a sophomoric title.

A fair introduction to Classical Music.......2001-03-03

I purchased this CD because I am new to Classical Music and thought this would be a good introduction CD. There is some wonderful music on this CD. The only problem I have with this CD is every other track is Opera of one form or another. As a new listener I found that after the Opera tracks I felt I had been yelled at and it was a distraction to the other music contained on the CD. I now know to hit the skip button on my CD player just about every other track. I only gave it 3 stars because I felt put off by the vocal tracks. I believe that when someone is new to Classical Music they do not think of Opera. If you don't mind hitting the skip button a lot or if you like Opera this CD is for you!

Great for Beginners.......2000-07-14

This is a nice recording for folks who don't know much about classical music, and would serve as a wonderful introduction. It covers centuries of great music in a very listener-friendly format. I am sure that I will use this CD in my music classroom. For a seasoned classical music lover, however, the CD proves a bit frustrating, including only segments of masterworks (not even the entire movement of the Holst). I bought the CD for a few recordings, which I truly enjoy and make the CD a worthwile purchase. But I found (and I think that most classical musicians will find) that I already had many of these works in their entirety.

Exellent compilation.......2000-04-12

This is a fine collection of classical songs for those that have little experience with classical music. Howver, I truly love it.

Average customer rating:

Bad day at work? Enter another realm
Ahhhh....

Stillness And Sweet Harmony

Manufacturer: Collegium
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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

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ASIN: B0000031IC
Release Date: 1996-10-10

Tracks:

Adoro te devote - Gregorian Chant
Requiem: Pie Jesu - Gabriel Faure
Visita, quaesumus Domine - William Byrd_
Draw On, Sweet Night - The Cambridge Singers directed by John Rutter
O Can Ye Sew Cushions - The Cambridge Singers directed by John Rutter
The Silver Swan - Orlando Gibbons
Down By The Sally Gardens - The Cambridge Singers directed by John Rutter
In manus tuas - The Cambridge Singers directed by John Rutter
Miserere - Gregorio Allegri
Tantum ergo - Gabriel Faure
Justorum animae - William Byrd_
O quam suavis - William Byrd_
Laudi alla Vergine Maria - Giuseppe Verdi
Alma Redemptoris Mater - Gregorian Chant
What Sweeter Music - John Rutter

Amazon.com

Compilations from a performer's catalog are often musically hit-and-miss and programmatically shaky. But when you have a catalog as strong, varied, and musically rich as the Cambridge Singers', the question is not how to find appropriate material but how to reduce the first-rate choices to fit on a single CD. This one offers a wide range of selections, including chant, Renaissance sacred and secular works, folk song, and 20th-century pieces. Every track contains a gem--music and performance--so it's hard to list only a few highlights. There's the Pie Jesu from Fauré's Requiem, Allegri's famous Miserere, several classics by Byrd, Orlando Gibbons's popular "The silver swan," and two masterful folk-song arrangements by Rutter. But among the 15 works featured, John Sheppard's "In manus tuas" (one of the glories of the English Renaissance) and Rutter's "What sweeter music" (his most famous piece) alone make this disc worth owning. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

Bad day at work? Enter another realm.......2005-07-31

This is a wonderfully mellow selection of choral works in the English tradition, and a particularly well-balanced program: You can set the CD to play and relax with a good glass of wine.

The Cambridge Singers come across as a single, smooth instrument--not a group of belting soloists. Rutter's arrangements and orchestrations avoid here some of the cutesy movie-style effects on some of the Christmas albums.

This album is a compilation from previous Cambridge Singers recordings, so it's very suitable as a gift from someone who has expressed an early interest in English choral music, to lead them into the area. The CD is a wonderful value and highly recommended.

Ahhhh...........2004-06-30

Very pleasant music for rattled nerves. I'm no expert on choral music, but this is a calming and enjoyable CD to listen to while driving.

Average customer rating:

Francisco Guerrero: Requiem
Beautifully executed, gracefully nuanced, above all, expressive
A shining blackness
Very impressive
A really important recording...

Guerrero: Requiem

Manufacturer: Glossa
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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Morales en Toledo: Polifonía inédita del Códices 25, 1545-1547

ASIN: B00003NHB6
Release Date: 1999-12-15

Tracks:

Missa Pro Defunctis: Processional: Quand'os Miro, Mi Dios
Missa Pro Defunctis: Introit: Requiem Aeternam
Missa Pro Defunctis: Kyrie
Missa Pro Defunctis: Collect: Deus, Qui Inter Apostolicos
Missa Pro Defunctis: Epistle
Missa Pro Defunctis: Gradual: Requiem Aeternam
Missa Pro Defunctis: Tract: Absolve, Domine
Missa Pro Defunctis: Sequence: Dies Irae
Missa Pro Defunctis: Gospel
Missa Pro Defunctis: Offertory: Domine Jesu Christe
Missa Pro Defunctis: Preface
Missa Pro Defunctis: Sanctus
Missa Pro Defunctis: Tiento Sobre Ad Dominum Cum Tribularer
Missa Pro Defunctis: Pater Noster
Missa Pro Defunctis: Agnus Dei
Missa Pro Defunctis: Communion: Luceat Eis A 5
Missa Pro Defunctis: Postcommunion
Missa Pro Defunctis: Processional: In Paradisum
Absolutio Super Tumulum: Hei Mihi, Domine
Absolutio Super Tumulum: Prayer: Non Intres In Judicium
Absolutio Super Tumulum: Responsory: Libera Me, Domine
Absolutio Super Tumulum: Kyrie
Absolutio Super Tumulum: Pater Noster
Absolutio Super Tumulum: Prayer: Deus, Qui Inter Apostolicos
Absolutio Super Tumulum: Antiphon: In Paradisum

Customer Reviews:

Francisco Guerrero: Requiem.......2007-03-25

Cristóbal de Morales: Assumption Mass

Spanish music and its history, although of globe-girdling significance, has often suffered from anglophone writers, at worst contempt and at best neglect, ever since Spain was branded the evil empire in 1588. Only in recent decades have scholars begun to correct this monumental omission. Michael Noone is becoming one of the leaders of the cause. Let me admit up front that I have known Michael for 25 years, although we have actually met only a few times during that period. Partly because I have followed his career, I was thrilled when he began issuing recordings of the music that has been the object of his devotion. Francisco Guerrero: Requiem is the second of four recordings he has done on Glossa with Richard Cheetham's Orchestra of the Renaissance (the others: Canticum Canticorum, Cristóbal de Morales-Assumption Mass, and Sebastián de Vivanco-In Manus Tuas).

One of his purposes in these recordings has been to convince the world that the combination of singers with cornett, shawms, sackbuts, dulcian, organ, and harp that is described in the records actually works. He proves it, in spades! The performances on these recordings are among the most musical interpretations of sixteenth-century polyphony I have ever heard. Given the limitation that it is all sacred music, the mood, style, and instrumentation show great variety: vocal, instrumental, polyphony, chant, ensemble, solo. The Guerrero Requiem (and the Assumption Mass) are liturgical reconstructions of scholarly precision, while the other two recordings are anthologies. All are superbly performed and definitively refute scoffers who assert that this music or these instruments cannot be performed to modern standards. The performances include spare, stark Gregorian chant as well as rich, voluptuous polyphony. The shaping of musical lines, timbre, and intonation are exquisitely refined. Tempos are beautifully controlled and absolutely convincing. These performances combine consummate musicianship with meticulous musicology, evident in the use of instrumentation described in local period documents and local Gregorian chant, not to mention the fact that Michael Noone has transcribed this music and done the archival research himself. His soup-to-nuts productions are archetypal illustrations of what can be achieved by the combination of excellent scholarship and exemplary musicianship. This is also evident in the exceptionally clear and informative program notes.

Michael Noone's sumptuous recordings of Spanish Renaissance Music should grace the shelves of every audiophile. I have bought them all, and these days, I find myself listening to little else!

Beautifully executed, gracefully nuanced, above all, expressive.......2006-09-06

This recording is important not just for making an unknown masterpiece available once again, but for the perfection of the performance and the attention to musical and historical detail. The voices are supported by an instrumental ensemble woven so well into the vocal texture as to become part and parcel of the performance, rather than simply backing up or coloring the polyphony. The phrases are carefully shaped and the diction crystal clear. No 'high' voices are present (no sopranos are called for in the score) and it would be easy for the vocal texture (ATTB) to become very dense and weighty, but Noone and his performers never let this happen. Each line is clearly sung/played and parts emerge from the texture at the appropriate moments.
With the exception of Victoria, many composers from the Spanish Renaissance remain unknown or at best, under-appreciated in the USA. Hopefully this fine performance will encourage many to seek out more music of this great 16th century master, along with that of his fine compatriots.

A shining blackness.......2004-12-20

Guerrero, a very important but nowadays unfortunately neglected figure in the XVI. century "international" music, wrote a very impressive, ruthless, anthracian "service" what we may call "Requiem". The cover with its plain and suggestive manner also reflects the profound understanding of the work.

The performance is superb. Musically and electronically. Listen to it regularly.

Very impressive.......2000-10-09

I bought this CD after hearing this group's fabulous reconstruction of Cordoba Vespers. Again, I am very impressed. This again is a reconstruction - this time of the Requiem Mass as it might have been performed in Seville Cathedral to honor Guerrero's death in 1599. Guerrero, whose own 1582 Requiem mass forms the backbone of the instant recording, was a native of Seville, but his music was well known as far as Mexico, Guatemala and Chile. In fact, during his life, Guerrero may have been the most celebrated Spanish composer. The reconstruction of the funeral service here is very convincing. It begins with an instrumental processional, performed on sackbutts, shawms and cornetts, wonderfully accentuated by drums. The main body of the mass unfolds in a well-integrated sequence of solo and choral plainchant (drawn from contemporary Spanish sources) and polyphonic movements elaborating on the plainchant, accompanied by either a solo dulcian, or a consort of wind instruments which frequently double solo voices in a very characteristic manner of the age. The mass ends with a plainchant antiphon In paradisum fading beautifully into the distance as the imaginary funeral procession leaves the church. The singing is superb. Special mention goes to Josep Cabre and Simon Davies as plainchant soloists, who do such a wonderful job of binding professionally-written polyphonic movements with their anonymous liturgical roots.

A really important recording..........2000-06-17

I read somewhere after I had become aware of this recording that it was a Requiem FOR Francisco Guerrero, and I was thrown because I thought it was a reqiuem BY Guerrero. It turns out to be both, actually. Guerrero's own setting of the Requiem mass was evidently the one used at his own funeral (in 1599). The service was celebrated at the cathedral in Seville, a venue which is significant for more than one reason. Seville was, firstly, a cultural center of Spain (and of Europe, really). It was Spain's principal port city, so cultural development was bound to be constant. Its cathedral was one of the largest in Spain and was the site of frequent lavish ceremonies of many kinds. The second reason that the Seville cathedral is significant is its connection to Guerrero. Born in Seville, he was variously a member of the cathedral choir, assistant to the chapelmaster, and later chapelmaster himself (and, hence, a priest).

There is, obviously, a lot of history behind this recording; that sense of history is what you might call the "mission" of the Orchestra of the Renaissance. They aim, among other things, to bring attention to the historical role of instruments in Renaissance vocal music (and, incidentally, Seville was known for its instrumental "ensemble" of sorts). That sense of history naturally leads to a performance practice which focuses on placing music in its historical context.

So, then, for the purpose of context there is a variety of music besides just Guerrero's mass. There is a Guerrero motet, one by Josquin, an organ piece by Cabezon, instrumental processionals by Esquivel and Guerrero, and an ample amount of plainchant (in the form of graduals, prayers, lessons, antiphons, etc.). This method of presenting the mass (with materials which would be used in a service) not only makes for a good deal of variety (hence a more enjoyable listen) but is quite welcome, to me at least, on a artistic level (especially for this music, highly religious as it is).

Guerrero was considered, during his lifetime, to be one of the best (if not THE best) composers of the period. His music is of the greatest profundity: in the great Spanish tradition it is, firstly, sober - the famous "Spanish gloom" (intense spiritual expression) is present here. It is also very subtle (emotion is abundant, but the music is not superficial). This Requiem bears some comparison to that of Victoria, but it is better compared, I think, to another spanish composer - Morales (although he's much less familiar than Victoria). The other music is all of the same restrained expressive quality which makes for such a rewarding experience. The range of feeling is broad - from anxiety about death to penitence for sinfulness to, ultimately, hope of eternal life (heard in the Agnus Dei, which is especially beautiful).

The acoustic is good - very warm,and reverberant enough - so that from the opening notes you are swept into the music. It serves to set the proper mood for the program. The instrumental sound is very pleasing - it is (to use a phrase which is admittedly inaccurate, but hopefully descriptive) very Spanish. What I mean is that, since there is no brass to lend brightness, the sound produced is rich and dark (which means, obviously, that it sits quite nicely alongside Guerrero's music ); it is effective both in passages exclusively for instruments and in vocal passages which employ the instruments to double parts. The players are obviously skilled. The choral sound is good as well. The sounds produced by each of the parts is very nice (the tones are "standardized", but still warm). Overall, the texture of the sound is very clean and smooth (and colorful). The group's balance is good - the parts can all be heard independently (with the exception of one of the tenor parts in a few places - but that's unavoidable, I guess). Dynamics are good (both the overall volume and the sense of the lines specific to each part), as are tempi (moderate, a little quick in places, but generally unhurried). What that all means, though, more importantly, is that they really capture the spirit of the music - the group appears to be caught up in it (as you will be) and as a result the music really speaks. The decision to double the vocal parts with instruments is, as I said before, quite important to the approach taken by the Orchestra of the Renaissance - I don't know much about its historical validity (I'm sure there's good reason to do it) but it is quite effective here; even if it's not your particular taste it certainly doesn't detract from the overall "vocal" sound.

There are obvious comparisons to be made with similar recordings by Paul McCreesh and the Gabrieli Consort (most prominently both employ all male choirs with instrumental support). None of the material overlaps with any recorded by McCreesh, but if you've heard any of his recordings I can speak to the relative sound of his choir with this one. I prefer the sound on this recording - it is cleaner and smoother (although McCreesh undeniably has a certain advantage in terms of sonic power); that quality is appreciated everywhere but most of all in the chant passages, which in this recording are really very good. I also think that this choir has slightly more focus and balance that McCreesh's - all that to say that if you're familiar with the approach the Gabrieli Consort takes to the music it performs, there's more of the same good stuff to be found on this Guerrero recording.

This disc was a Gramophone editor's pick back in about May (I think), but as of my writing this the article has not appeard on their website. The review had a lot of praise for this recording (so you don't have to rely only on me).

Tracks:

Salve Regina-Antienne - Monks Choir Of The Abbey Of Santo Domingo De Silos
Kyrie VIII - Monks Choir Of The Abbey Of Santo Domingo De Silos
Gloria VIII - Monks Choir Of The Abbey Of Santo Domingo De Silos
Credo III - Monks Choir Of The Abbey Of Santo Domingo De Silos
Sanctus VIII - Monks Choir Of The Abbey Of Santo Domingo De Silos
Agnus VIII - Monks Choir Of The Abbey Of Santo Domingo De Silos
Requiem Aeternam-Graduel - Monks Choir Of The Abbey Of Santo Domingo De Silos
Victimae Paschali Laudes-Sequence - Monks Choir Of The Abbey Of Santo Domingo De Silos
Salve Festa Dies-Hymn - Monks Choir Of The Abbey Of Santo Domingo De Silos
Veni Creator Spiritus-Hymn - Monks Choir Of The Abbey Of Santo Domingo De Silos
Asperges Me-Antienne - Monks Choir Of The Abbey Of Saint-Wandrille
Laetetur Cor-Introit - Monks Choir Of The Abbey Of Saint-Wandrille
Credo I - Monks Choir Of The Abbey Of Saint-Wandrille
Pater Noster - Monks Choir Of The Abbey Of Saint-Wandrille
Claris Conjubila-Hymn - Monks Choir Of The Abbey Of Notre-Dame De Ganagobie
Gaudeamus-Introit - Monks Choir Of The Abbey Of Notre-Dame De Ganagobie
Domine Praevenisti-Graduel - Monks Choir Of The Abbey Of Notre-Dame De Ganagobie
Vir Dei Benedictus-Alleluia - Monks Choir Of The Abbey Of Notre-Dame De Ganagobie
Vexilla Regis-Hymn (Venance Fortunat, VIth Century) - Monks Choir Of The Abbey Of Sainte-Madeleine Du Barroux
Stabat Mater - Monks Choir Of The Abbey Of Sainte-Madeleine Du Barroux
Magnificat Royal - Monks Choir Of The Abbey Of Sainte-Madeleine Du Barroux
Alma Redemptoris Mater-Antienne - Monks Choir Of The Abbey Of Sainte-Madeleine Du Barroux
Ave Maris Stella-Hymn - Monks Choir Of The Abbey Of Sainte-Madeleine Du Barroux

Album Description

From Silence to Light is an album of Gregorian chants that gathers together recordings from four renowned choirs of Benedictine Monks: Santo Domingo de Silos Abbey Choir, Saint-Wandrille Abbey Choir, Notre Dame de Ganagobie Abbey Choir, and Saint-Madeleine du Barroux Abbey Choir. The album features some of the most popular Gregorian works, such as the magnificent Messe Des Anges, the beautiful Easter chant Salve Festa Dies, the moving Salve Regina, and the universal Veni Creator. The performances by these choirs perpetuates the tradition of a chant both rhythmic and expressive, as enlightened by the power of the faith.

Stadtpfeiffer: Music of Renaissance Germany

Average customer rating:

"Kind of Blue," 16th-Century Style
Lively, intricate and artful music from Piffaro!
Exquisite!
It made me cry!

Stadtpfeiffer: Music of Renaissance Germany
Paul Hofhaimer , Heinrich Isaac , Heinrich Finck , Ludwig Senfl , Caspar Othmayr , Adam Gilbert , Johann Jakob Walther , Michael Praetorius , Anonymous , Gregorian Chant , Adam von Fulda , Georg Forster , Mack Ramsey , Christa Patton , and Piffaro
Manufacturer: Dorian Recordings
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Partsongs | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Music From the Odhecaton
Canzoni e Danze: Wind Music from Renaissance Italy
Chansons et Danceries (French Renaissance Wind Music)

ASIN: B000056OE8
Release Date: 2001-02-27

Tracks:

Greyner, Zanner - Piffaro/Mack Ramsey
Greiner, Zancker, Schnopfitzer - Piffaro/Mack Ramsey
Greiner, Zanner - Piffaro/Mack Ramsey
Ach Elshein, Liebes Elselein Mein - Piffaro
Im Maien - Piffaro/Mack Ramsey
Was Wird Es Doch Des Wunders Noch - Piffaro/Mack Ramsey
Was Wird Es Doch Des Wunders Noch - Piffaro
Was Wird Es Doch Des Wunders Noch - Piffaro
Ein Maidlein Zue Dem Brunnen Gierg - Piffaro
Quisquis Requiem Quaeris - Piffaro/Mack Ramsey
Non Argus Largus - Piffaro/Mack Ramsey
Non Somnos Requiem - Piffaro/Mack Ramsey
Ein Feste Burg Ist Unser Gott - Piffaro
Der Grabentanz - Piffaro
Will Neimand Singen - Piffaro/Christa Patton
Philou & Ho, Herders - Piffaro/Mack Ramsey
Der Pfauen Schwantz - Piffaro/Mack Ramsey
Bonum Vinum Cum Sapore - Piffaro/Mack Ramsey
In Feuers Hitz/Mole Gravati Criminum - Piffaro
Pange Lingua Gloriosi - Piffaro
T' andernaken A 4 - Piffaro
German Tunes Of The Early 16th Century - Piffaro
Den Besten Vogel - Piffaro/Benjamin Harms
Presulem Sanctissimum - Piffaro/Mack Ramsey
Patientiam Sanctissimum - Piffaro/Mack Ramsey
Patientiam Mueb Ich Han (A 4) - Piffaro
Patientiam Mueb Ich Han - Piffaro
Patientiam Mueb Ich Han (A 5) - Piffaro/Mack Ramsey
O Du Armer Judas - Piffaro/Mack Ramsey
Veni Sancte Spiritus - Piffaro/Mack Ramsey

Customer Reviews:

"Kind of Blue," 16th-Century Style.......2007-01-07

Most devotees of the great Miles Davis album Kind of Blue know its story from the liner notes by Bill Evans: Miles comes to the studio with a pocketful of modal scales and changes, shows them to the illustrious group - Cannonball Adderley, John Coltrane, Wynton Kelly, Bill Evans, Paul Chambers, and Jimmy Cobb - and everyone simply blows, unrehearsed. The result is the consensus "most influential" or "most beautiful" or simply "the greatest" (and certainly best-selling) jazz album of the '50s and perhaps the entire post-World War II period (and some say "ever"). It popularized "modal jazz," essentially a modal "cantus firmus" ("fixed song") around which players shaped their improvisations.

Lovers of early music - and admirers of "the Renaissance Band" Piffaro - will know exactly where I'm going here. The precision with which early music ensembles like Piffaro perform their repertoire leads most listeners to conclude that every single note is scored as it is played. Nothing could be further from the truth. Generally, such pieces are also built around a modal cantus firmus and consist of ensemble members finding polyphonic, often contrapuntal, lines that harmonize or embellish the main melody.

Thanks to Guenther Schuller and other jazz historians, we associate "early jazz" with pioneering, pre-swing era, early 20th century Buddy Bolden/King Oliver/Louis Armstrong/Jelly Roll Morton "spontaneous composition" jazz music. That said, most music lovers know the familiar great players (and often composers) of earlier centuries - Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, etc. - were all prodigiously talented spontaneous improvisers. Few of their improvisations have been written down (except as cadenzas to their scored compositions), and we don't connect classical improvisation to jazz music. Nor do we generally connect it to "early music" - that is, music that precedes the Baroque - nor does it seem we should, really: jazz is jazz, and in a distinct way, uniquely American, and Renaissance improvisation is vastly less "free."

And now (I know: "at last!") the point: Piffaro's "Stadtpfeiffer: Music of Renaissance Germany" is a glorious tutorial is the Renaissance style of cantus-firmus-plus-improvisation musical composition and performance, as beautiful and surprising in its way as Miles' classic is in its. Each member of this Philadelphia-based ancient-instruments wind ensemble is a technically flawless, multi-instrument musician. And each of the thirty tracks on this generous CD builds from simplicity through several incremental layerings to a thrilling, gyring, soaring, perfectly harmonious multi-voiced conclusion. The scholarship of the group - on display in the attractive, informative notes - is impeccable and results in satisfying arrangements that run through the full diversity of early wind-instrument settings (with occasional percussion, lute, and harp accompaniments).

Moreover, as other reviewers have noted, those who think early music wind instrumentation consists solely of the familiar recorders, shawms, crumhorns, serpents, and the like will be stunned by the presence of bagpipes in Piffaro's kitbag. Bagpipes traversed Europe from the Middle East and wound up in the British Isles (and known to most solely via sonic clichés like "Amazing Grace" and "Danny Boy"). Here they're a force of nature, blowing out from a primordial past, pitched higher than Scottish pipes, in swirls of glorious polyphony. If you enjoy Celtic music, or bluegrass, or the Baroque, or the Hot Fives and Sevens, or the Chieftains, or the Lord of the Rings soundtrack, find a copy of this CD and let the ingenuity of Renaissance masters such as Ludwig Senfl and Caspar Othmayr wash over you via the vituoso improvisational playing of Piffaro. "Early jazz" indeed.

Stadtpfeiffer (literally, "city piper" or "city musician") is, by the way, still available; you can at least order it from the Piffaro website. I stumbled across mine while Christmas shopping; the attractive cover art caught my eye, I like early music, had some Michael Praetorius but little else from Germany, and so selfishly gave myself a gift, sound unheard. What a find, like pulling down a random book at the library that, once read, has changed your life. I haven't stopped playing it. Neither will you.

Lively, intricate and artful music from Piffaro!.......2002-11-25

"Across early Renaissance Europe," begins commentator Robert Kendrick in the insert introduction, "the best-known wind ensembles consisted largely of players from Germanic lands, who took their craft with them to Italy, Spain, and France." This CD features sophisticated, contrapuntal compositions of Senfl, Isaac, Othmayer and Finck, interspersed with delightfully direct arrangements of simpler tunes by the Piffaro musicians themselves. Alternating consorts of recorders and reeds are enhanced by brass, lute, harp and percussion. Core Piffaro members Adam and Rotem Gilbert, Grant Herreid, Tom Zajac, and co-directors Joan Kimball and Robert Wiemken are joined by guests Benjamin Harris on percussion, Christa Patton on harp, and Mack Ramsey on wind instruments. This is my favorite Piffaro recording so far, because of the variety of distinctive sounds and composition styles. There's a bit of everything on here, and all of it very enjoyable to listen to! Done in a similar vein is the group's 2002 Dorian release, "Music from the Odhecaton: Celebrating the 500th Anniversary of the First Printed Music".

Exquisite!.......2001-12-25

This CD contains beautiful songs of German Renaissance. The music is performed in a very sensitive way. I consider impossible not to be touched by the wonderful sounds of the wind instruments. I highlight the 5 track, very beautiful. The musicians of Piffaro play the instruments with love and passion. The result is a great emotion.

It made me cry!.......2001-03-27

I tuned to the classical radio when I ran errands the other day and heard music like none I've heard before. Perfect bagpipes, yet I verified that it was indeed German Rennaisance music. I nearly had to pull over with the tears that came to my eyes!

Average customer rating:

All things old...
Impressive
Impressive
Wonderfull!

The Medieval Experience

Manufacturer: Archiv Produktion
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Hymns | 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

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music

Sinners & Saints: The Ultimate Medieval and Renaissance Music Collection
A Feast of Songs: Holiday Music from the Middle Ages
Music of the Gothic Era
Music of the Troubadours
Praetorius: Dances from Terpsichore

ASIN: B0000057FL
Release Date: 1996-11-19

Tracks:

Antiphona: Hosanna
Antiphona: Pueri Hebraerorum
In May, When Rose Trees Are In Bloom
Antiphona: Cum audisset
Alle, psallite cum luya
Antiphona: Coeperunt omnes
Antiphona: Occurrunt turbae
Antiphona: Cum angelis
Antiphona: Ante sex dies
If Anyone Looks At Me
Hymnus: Gloria, laus et honor
In The Month Of May
Responsorium: Ingrediente
I'm Not Afraid To Talk To My Sweetheart
Introitus: Domine, ne longe facias
O Most Gentle Virgin Mary
Graduale: Tenuisti manum dextram
Fauvel's Scheming Household
Offertorium: Improperium
Communio: Pater, si non potest
Shamelessly I Went Around

Tracks:

Introitus: Terriblis est
In The Turmoil Of The Sea
Kyrie XII
Gloria XII
Click, Click, One Morning Robin Went Off
Graduale: Locus iste
Alleluia: Adorabo
Offertorium: Domine Deus
When I See It In The Clear Glass
Santus XII
Agnus Dei XII
Communio: Domus mea
He Who Puts His Trust
Invitorium et Psalmodia: Domun Dei
The Pantheon Is Destroyed
Responsorium: Fundata est
I Rode By The Elm Tree
5 Antiphonae
Hymnus: Angularis fundamentum
Antiphona ad Benedictus: Zachaee
Rahcel Mourns Her Children
Hymnus: Urbs Jerusalem
Antiphona ad Magnificat: Sanctificavit
Antiphona ad Magnificat: O quam metuendus est
King Charles, Son Of John

Tracks:

Come Holy Ghost - Several Composers
Blessed Mother - Several Composers
The Herald Preceded The Prince - Several Composers
The Greatest Good Of Mortals - Dufay
Flower Of Flowers - Dufay
Rejoice, Empress Of Byzantium - Dufay
Loving Mother Of The Redeemer - Dufay
Glory And Praise To Thee - Several Composers
Lamb Of God - Several Composers
Blessed Art Thou, Maria - Several Composers
From Starry Olympus, Love Made Me Descend - Josquin

Tracks:

Missa 'L'homme arme' super voces musicales: Kyrie - Several Composers
Missa 'L'homme arme' super voces musicales: Gloria - Several Composers
Missa 'L'homme arme' super voces musicales: Credo - Several Composers
Missa 'L'homme arme' super voces musicales: Sanctus - Several Composers
Missa 'L'homme arme' super voces musicales: Agnus Dei - Several Composers
Mass For The Dead: Introitus (Grant Them Eternal Rest) - Several Composers
Mass For The Dead: Kyrie (Lord Have Mercy On Us) - Several Composers
Mass For The Dead: Graduale (Though I Walk Through The Valley Of The Shadow Of Death) - Several Composers
Mass For The Dead: Tractus (As Pants The Hart) - Several Composers
Mass For The Dead: Offertorium (Deliver The Souls Of All The Faithful Departed) - Several Composers
Lament On The Death Of Johannes Ockeghem - Several Composers

Customer Reviews:

All things old..........2005-09-26

This is a four-disc collection of wonderful pieces representative of the types of music from the Medieval times/Middle Ages. Gregorian chant has experienced a resurgence in popularity (indeed, it is almost new age), but in fact they are part of the ancient tradition of church music. Masses, folk songs, and motets round out the types of music on offer here.

The first two discs, entitled 'Monks and Troubadours', combine folk songs and chansons with Gregorian chant sequences - the first disc has chants for Palm Sunday (performed by the monks of Munsterschwarzach, Germany) together with songs performed by the Early Music Consort of London. The second disc incorporates chants that might be used at a church dedication (performed by the monks of Notre-Dame de Fontgombault Abbey, France) and songs again by the Early Music Consort. The difference is palpable. Gregorian chant varies significantly from the polyphonic songs of the troubadours.

The third disc is of motets, composed by Dunstable, Dufay, Binchois, Obrecht, and Desprez, some (but not all) of the great names in medieval composition. This collection includes a polytexted motet by Dunstable and more standard forms in which all voices join to sing the same words. Binchois' motet 'Gloria, laus et honor' derives from a Gregorian chant found on the first disc, with words still familiar in the modern hymn 'All Glory, Laud and Honour'.

The fourth CD inlcudes masses by Desprez and Ockeghem. Desprez is one of the greatest of the medieval composers, and his Missa L'homme arme is one of the better known; Ockeghem's mass here is one for the dead, a very common type of composition, here expertly executed. The final piece on this disc is a song written by Desprez in honour of Ockeghem, which despite not using typical mass or biblical texts, still incorporates the introit from the requiem, and as a mark of respect for the passing of Ockeghem, Desprez composed the music itself using all black notes.

This Archiv production is a stunning collection, great for the listener and great for the student. In one set, one has a broad range of music, spanning many types and hundreds of years. The production quality is very high, the music itself wonderful, the performances beautifully carried out - not much more can be asked for from a recording.

Impressive.......2000-11-11

Nice sounding recording. The tracks are authentic and are great for anyone interested in medieval history and it's music.

Impressive.......2000-11-11

Nice sounding recording. The tracks are authentic and is great for anyone interested in medieval history and it's music.

Wonderfull!.......2000-06-23

I heard this CD at a friends house. I compare the music to loreena McKennitts. Its wonderfull and i love it. I cant wait to purchase a copy of my own.

Track Listings:

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

What If [CD-single] [Enhanced] [Soundtrack] [Import]

Bortnyansky: Sacred Concertos for Double Choir, Vol. 6

Bluesman

Toward the Margins [Limited Edition]

Once Blue [Import]

Between the Sheets, Vol. 1

C'est Ma Chanson [Import]

Blue Aranjuez

Central Reservation Pt.1 [CD-single] [Import]

Blue Monk

Boatman's Call

Areito

70 Años Peerless Una Historia Musical

The Very Best of Charles Brown

Miffology