Eternal Chant

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Here's a set that for many collectors will slam the monk's gate on further chant acquisitions. In other words, this could be as close to a definitive compilation as there ever will be. What's more, it's beautifully packaged, intelligently programmed, and authentically performed--by real monastic, cathedral, and abbey choirs in authentic locations in France. The three discs were compiled from the catalog of Studio SM, a French label that has specialized in recording chant for more than 40 years. Although there is some variance in sound quality and in the performing styles of the different choirs, the overall production values are impressive. Solemn and uplifting moments mingle with the charming: during one of the selections, we hear both the bells and birds of Tarnie Abbey. The 40-page booklet contains extensive liner notes, photographs, texts, and translations. --David Vernier

Tracks:

Holy Manna
Abbeville
Wondrous Love
Sweet Hour Of Prayer
Jewett
Dunlap's Creek
New Britain
The Morning Trumpet
Resignation
Poland
Wayfaring Stranger
Sweet By And By
Blooming Vale
Idumea (I)/Idumea (II)
Sweet Prospect
Shall We Gather At The River
Amanda
Invitation
Parting Hand
Angel Band

Amazon.com

This, Anonymous 4's final recording, is a break from their usual "early music" periods and locations; it presents American music, religious in nature, from the 18th and 19th centuries. And it's absolutely beautiful from start to finish. Their normal, exquisite technique and purity here blend to sound the way we imagined the ladies' choir in church meetings in America past might have sounded: sweet, sincere, and with harmonies recognizable yet somehow fresh. Some of the songs begin with the women singing "fa, so la" exercises, which was called "shape note" singing because some places taught singing with notes as shapes--circle, rectangle, diamond, triangle. But it's the music that counts, and there are treasures here. They include two versions of "Amazing Grace," one familiar, one with an unusual melody and a piece called "Blooming Vale" which is as sophisticated as anything on their previous albums. "Shall We Gather at the River" is performed with a clarity and loveliness that makes us forget that it's normally sung as background to movies about the Great Depression. The foursome sometimes sing in rich harmonies and occasionally alone or in pairs or trios. This is glorious Americana and highly recommended. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

spiritual americana.......2007-01-06

I have some of the older Anonymous 4 recordings which are more medieval
and gregorian in style (I love them!). They move on to cover spiritual
basics of the 1800s. If you like classical music, perfect harmonies
and spiritual americina, then you will be blessed!

Rich Heritage.......2006-10-11

Anonymous 4 consistently produces exquisite and authentically beautiful recordings and this one presents early American hymns in ways few groups can manage. Some tunes are highly recognizable while others are 'new' to me but a refreshing reminder of the singing heritage of religious societies in times past. For those who enjoy old hymns and authentic renderings, this is a must buy.

Superb .......2006-08-07

This collection of American Christian music is not only an enthralling musical experience but a spiritually uplifting one as well. Anonymous Four have transferred their luminous vocal quality to a new space with perfect success.

Can't walk away from it!.......2006-08-07

My only "complaint" about the CD is that I absolutely HAVE to sit and listen to the entire thing whenever I start it up! I usually have music playing in the background while doing other things, but not this one! There are no tracks that I find myself wanting to skip over as in most collections. In fact, I usually find myself going back and listening to selected tracks again (and again and...) after taking the hour+ to listen to the whole thing through once.

These four ladies produce a unique and remarkable sound. I can't recommend it enough.

Mana from Heaven.......2006-05-08

I think the title of this CD is perfect. I first heard an interview for this CD on Public Radio and fell in love. I had never heard Anonymous 4 before then but look for all I can find of their music now. The title is perfect as the women sound like Angels and the music lifts the spirit. I find myself singing the old version of Amazing Grace all the time now. Incredible and a huge blessing to all who hear it.

Deer Hunter: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Average customer rating:

A true modern classic
what a truly haunting score
nocturne number 6
Favorite song not on the soundtrack
A Huge Disappointment for a wonderful movie score

Deer Hunter: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

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

The Deer Hunter (Universal Legacy Series)
Raging Bull
Midnight Cowboy: Original Motion Picture Score
Apocalypse Now Redux
Rain Man: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1989 Soundtrack)

ASIN: B00000DR9S
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Cavatina
Praise The Name Of The Lord
Troika
Katyusha
Struggling Ahead
Sarabande
Waiting His Turn
Memory Eternal
God Bless America
Cavatina (Reprise)

Customer Reviews:

A true modern classic.......2007-01-18

The title track alone to Michael Cimino's film "The Deer Hunter" makes it a worthwhile purchase.

Truth be told, you're not getting too much more than that. The three significant guitar pieces on this album (composed by Stanley Myers) are the title theme, the Sarabande, and a reprise of the title music (in a slightly longer and fuller arrangement).

The Sarabande is lovely, and comparatively underrated, but it's just not quite in the same league as its companion.

The Russian Orthodox choral pieces, while also good, are recorded live and thus lack the careful intonation and clean sound of studio versions.

The folks songs "Katyusha" and "Troika" are performed energetically. They also have, for better or worse, all the shouting, stamping, clapping, whistling, and audience sing-along that goes with a good live performance.

Finally, "Struggling Ahead" and "Waiting His Turn" are short, comparatively minor variations on the theme music that underscore particular scenes, just as good film music is supposed to do.

Now, here's what the soundtrack album doesn't have that it SHOULD:
(A) Frankie Valli singing "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You." The boys in the bar horse around to this song.
(B) Bobby Bare singing "Drop Kick Me, Jesus, Through the Goalposts of Life." When the boys return to the bar after their hunting trip, they drunkenly sing this.
(C) Frederic Chopin's sixth nocturne for piano (Opus 15, Number 3), in g minor. John the bartender plays it (just the first section, actually) just as the movie shifts from Pennsylvania to Vietnam.
All three of these pieces are significant in establishing the movie's moods. (Just like the simple, hymnlike version "God, Bless America," which IS found here.) Why in the world they were omitted from the soundtrack album, I can't figure.

That said, this album is still absolutely worth it. The theme music, published under the title "Cavatina," has become classical guitarist John Williams's signature piece. ("Cavatina," in case you're wondering, is an Italian musical term meaning a sustained melody or simple song.) It's been recorded many, many times since by other admiring musicians (in arrangements good, bad, and horrible). I suspect music lovers will be falling in love with it a hundred years from now. I've found the piece on other albums, but to me the two soundtrack versions -- particularly the concluding reprise -- remain, all told, the best combination of arrangement and performance. (Williams has also arranged this piece for solo guitar. The soundtrack recording benefits from a gently subdued strings-and-woodwind orchestral backing.)

By the way, people have rightly wondered why Myers's score didn't win an Oscar when "The Deer Hunter" did so well otherwise at that year's Academy Awards. It may be because (as I understand it) Stanley Myers had actually composed the piece several years earlier, and had even used it in another movie, titled "The Walking Stick." It apparently just hadn't grabbed people's attention yet. So guitarist John Williams deserves major credit for recognizing and championing this beautiful composition until people finally sat up and listened.

what a truly haunting score.......2006-05-28

This motion picture had such an emotional impact on me when I saw it back in the early '80s that it left me totally drained, and I was never able to get the haunting guitar out of my head.

As far as the music goes on this CD, it wasn't the entire score I was in love with (& needed to hear again), but a yearning, instead, to hear John "Guitar" Williams' awesome guitar playing.

Unfortunately, you only get three numbers by this great guitarist, three. I still love what the man does, but it is hardly enough.

I guess I'll have to either keep playing the same three tunes over and over, or else buy some more CDs by him.

nocturne number 6.......2006-04-17

thank you all for identifying this gorgeous piece of music. it's truly magical. i can't believe how many people it has touched. again thank you.i've been looking for it for years.

Favorite song not on the soundtrack.......2005-12-09

The scene when they're in the bar, just before they leave for vietnam, there's an emotional piano instrumental. Its not on the soundtrack, so if you're looking for it, its by Frederic Chopin, called Nocturne Number 6, Opus 15-3, in g minor.

A Huge Disappointment for a wonderful movie score.......2005-02-15

All I can say is what a ripoff. I think this soundtrack runs less than 15 minutes--what a lost opportunity. Not only are the scores way too short--but the most two vital songs/socres--"I Love you Baby--not only at the tavern but also as part of the wedding festivals--and even more importantly, the score whose name I don't know--after the deer hunt and the most poignant moment in the films--the score in the tavern where a classical piece is played and all the boys go into the deepest moments of intimacy in the entire film--none of this is part of the sound track.

I love the film, looked forward to the soundtrack--and felt I (and others) were totally ripped off.

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

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | 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

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

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

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

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

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

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:

Departure
Main Title
Apprehension
Getting Ready
Titanic Revealed
Floating Above the Deck
Dangerous Recovery
Valse Septembre
The Windows
Jack and Elwood
The Bots Go In
Titsy Bitsy Girl
The Grand Staircase
Exploring the Staterooms
Song Without Words
Elegance Past
Building the Ship
I...I Had To Go
The Ship's Engines
Alexander's Ragtime Band
The Final Day
The End
Memorials
Go Toward the Light
The Next Morning
Nearer My God To Thee
Saying Goodbye To Titanic
Eternal Father, Strong To Save
Darkness, Darkness

Customer Reviews:

great cd.......2003-10-04

this cd is great.the music is good for any titanic fan and really describes what was going on in real life.this cd is a #1 hit for any titanic fan

"Ghosts of the Abyss Soundtrack".......2003-04-15

The music fits the film well. The best tune on the album is a remake of Darkness, Darkness (youngbloods 1967) sung by an unknown artist Lisa Torban. A voice that just makes you repeat the selection over and over.

Ghosts of the Awesomeness.......2003-04-14

Oh my goodness! This was the best 3D Imax I have ever seen! (and yes I've seen more than one). And the soundtrack made it as good as it is! The song at the end called Darkness, Darkness was so fantastic and made me cry so much! Best ever!

Average customer rating:

The Beauty of the Male Voice

The Male Choir of St. Petersburg

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Opera & Vocal | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Basso Profondo From Old Russia
Russian Medieval Chant
Ancient Echoes
Best of the Red Army Choir
Music of Russia

ASIN: B00000IWWB
Release Date: 1999-05-18

Tracks:

The Tula Accordion
Like A Nightingale In Flight
The Twelve Brigands
Brewing Song
O My Field
In A Dark Wood
Shchedrick
Along Peterskaya Street
The Evening Bell
See What Misfortune Has Come Upon Us
Steppe, Endless Steppe
Cherubic Hymn
Eternal Counsel
The Nicene Creed
The Repentant Thief
Let My Prayer Arise
God Is With Us
From My Youth
We Praise Thee, We Bless Thee
Do Not Reject Me In My Old Age

Customer Reviews:

The Beauty of the Male Voice.......2006-05-04

I was fortunate to hear The Male Choir of St. Petersburg perform at the Peter and Paul Cathedral in Saint Petersburg, and was stunned by the power and beauty of their song. The director, aware that the deep, resonate voices struck a chord within each member of the audience, held the final note of each song until it echoed from the rafters. The songs are usually traditional Russian songs, but are not religious chants, as many people seem to expect - one song, called "O My Field" is an ode to a farmer's plot of ground. I recommend this album, a great opportunity to revel in the beauty of the male voice.

Average customer rating:

Transcendent Beauty

Missa Mystica

Manufacturer: Koch Schwann (Germ.)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Similar Items:

Orthodox Chants from Russia
Ancient Echoes
Russian Chant for Vespers
Russian Easter
Russian Divine Liturgy

ASIN: B00005433O
Release Date: 2001-03-27

Tracks:

Our Father
Truly Meet And Right
God Is The Lord/Thy Birth
Nunc Dimittis
I Think On That Dread Day
Let My Prayer Rise Up
Today Hangs On The Cross
God Shall Arise
Thou Only/Holy God
With The Saints Grant Rest
Eternal Remembrance
Our Father
Blessed Are They Whom Thou Hast Chosen
Before Thy Cross
Lord Have Mercy
Greater Doxology
Blessed The Man
Hymn Of The Cherubim
Cast Me Not Away
From My Youth

Customer Reviews:

Transcendent Beauty.......2004-08-14

I am surprised that no one else has reviewed this album. Most likely it's because it's not terribly well known.

Anyway, this is an absolutely gorgeous sampling of Russian Orthodox Church music. The Italian baroque influences are evident in some of the pieces, but the rich Russian chordal style always comes through.

The voices are transcendent, and truly evoke a sense of the sacred. If you are ever feeling angry, sad, hurt or stressed out, this is the perfect album to put you at ease. Track 19 will take your breath away.

Average customer rating:

Stunning, but one annoying flaw
Beautiful Tribute

Remembrance

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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

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

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

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0000AE7BS
Release Date: 2003-10-14

Tracks:

Requiem Aeternam Dona Eis, Domine
Nunc Dimittis
Salvator Mundi
Greater Love Hath No Man
Crossing The Bar (Sunset And Evening Star)
Eternal Father
O God Our Help
Ecce Quomodo Moritur Iustus
Hear My Prayer
Psalm 23
Give Rest, O Christ
Pie Jesus (From Requiem Op48)
Ubi Caritas
Abide With Me
Sanctus (From Deutche Messe D872)
For The fallen
Holy Is The True Light
Angus Dei
In Paradisum

Customer Reviews:

Stunning, but one annoying flaw.......2006-03-17

The singing is flawless and deeply moving.

But why does track 13 - Ubi Caritas - insist on starting AFTER the music has already begun. When approached from number 12, it works fine. But to cue the thing (which is why I bought this CD), you have to BACK UP to hear the song from the beginning.

I thought it was just my CD or my player - but NO, the flaw is on this web page too.

Still, this is a treasured CD.

Beautiful Tribute.......2005-08-06

This album from one of the world's greatest organists, John Scott, is one of the most beautiful musical tributes to those who lost their lives in 9/11. The Nunc Dimittis is one of the most haunting versons of this traditional prayer ever written.