Customer Reviews

Abba Pater

5 star:		(60)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

Perhaps this will be a rather strange review of this CD, but in writing it this way, I mean only to illustrate that there is something special in this CD even for those who are not Roman Catholic. Additionally, I write this review on the very day that Pope John Paul II may leave this life and enter the next.

I am not Roman Catholic. I have never studied the Catholic faith. I never attended Catholic schools. I have strong and irreconcilable disagreements with the Roman Catholic church's policies in many areas.

That said....

I have this CD of John Paul II's voice, with accompanying music, saying prayers. I am writing this Amazon review to say that I truly find it uplifting and comforting.

Even without knowing the Latin or Italian, perhaps even without being a Christian at all, it is possible to appreciate this very special music. It's beautifully composed and performed. This CD is not at all the stiff and formal liturgy you might associate with the Catholic Church. There is rhythm, joy, a variety of music with world flavor, and a loveliness to this CD.

Music is the universal language. This composition is spiritual poetry in that universal language. I hope you will listen to it and find its blessings.

I purchased this CD several years ago, listened to it once or twice, and then put it away, quite unimpressed. It seemed like a hamhanded attempt to cash in on the New Age music phenomonen.

Whether I have changed in the last few years, or whether the demise of Pope John Paul II made me listen more closely, I don't immediately know. I do know, however, that this is an excellent CD; comforting, inspiring, and far from a New-Age ripoff.

The producers and composers have assembled a fascinating sample of John Paul II's prayers, statements from homilies, etc., and have grafted these atop an eclectic orchestration, weaving in Latin chants, Polish prayers, and African rhythms in a surprisingly effective way.

Of notable impact are the Pater Noster in the song Abba Pater (sung first by John Paul II and then by a male choir), the Inno di Pentecoste segment of Vieni, Santo Spirito, the distorted & strangely clipped Polish Pater Noster in Padre Della Luce, and perhaps most moving, the Marian antiphon interspersed with Latin verse in Madre Di Tutte Le Genti.

John Paul II's voice is heard from 1980 through 1998. At times it is a bit jarring to hear how his voice changed from strong and clear to slurred and aged. But through it all, it is affecting, regardless of the language he speaks in.

A final note - the images contained in the CD jacket and liner notes are tasteful and impressive as well. Overall "Abba Pater" is a wonderful work of art that is particularly poignant today.

As a Pole, I've never experienced such a soul gathering as we've had throughout the last week. Commercial radio stations speak through our Holy Father's voice - Appa Pater. "All yours" the Pope used to say. Now he gives us the chance to once again listen to him, and him only... I never thought I would listen to this cd, but now I do, over and over again.

I purchased this CD about 5 years ago. I enjoyed it then, and now find that it is helping me through the sorrow. When listening to this music, I feel the love that the Holy Father had for all humanity bathe me in peace. His spirit is united with the Holy Spirit, which is very present in this music; this CD is helping heal my broken heart. I know that the Divine Healer will continue to use JPII to change the world, through the hearts of man. I know my sorrow is but for a time, and then I will be able to fully rejoice in the awesome gift that God bestowed upon this earth when He spoke the name of Karol Wojtyla into being. Thank you.

It's Pope John Paul II. This is a CD to cherish. World beat music with the Pope speaking, praying, even singing. The Pope singing the "Our Father" alone is worth the cost of the CD.

I love this CD. My wife loves this CD. My children love this CD. You will not be able to listen to it with a dry eye. Pope John Paul has given us a gift of himself for the Jubilee year and beyond.

Abba Pater is THE most incredible, peaceful, musically lush and harmonic sound I have ever heard. Whether you are a believer or not, the sounds of heaven are clear in the voice of the Pope. JPII will celebrate his Silver Jubilee this year, and Abba Pater is a jewel in the crown of his works for this world. Every Catholic household should own this recording, and anyone else wishing for a moment of peace from music should give this most beautiful work a spin. This man's influence will live on through the lives of the youth who have followed his mission, their voices can be heard as well, and you too can be impacted as positively. I highly recommend this item.

I have been a church choir leader for over 10 years and have more than 100 religious music tapes or CDs. These include Charismatic Praise & Worship tapes, Taize, Talbot, Jesuit Music tapes, etc. However, upon listening to this CD, you immediately sense the power of the Holy Spirit working as you listen. I get goosebumps while holding back tears as I listen to it, especially the Abba Pater. This CD will hold a special and dear place in my collection.

The music and orchestraton by De Amicis and Biseo are GREAT! I am a great fan of orchestra music and believe that they have produced music perfectly matched to the Pope's message.

Even the photos and layout in the CD inserts were very well done, meaningful, and inspirational.

I cannot help but see the Holy Spirit's work in the production of this CD.

Pope John Paul II has a new CD out and it promises to be a hit. The music is more diverse than I expected, not just the Gregorian Chant that has become popular once more, but also new and vital contemporary multi-cultured music of great range. One track treats you to the sweet tones of a solitary violin while another includes the ages-old, soft and distant drums of the deepest jungles of Africa.

Excerpts of the Pope's messages delivered throughout the world in multiple languages have been mixed with this background music. Multi-language text translations are provided (Spanish, Italian, French, English, Latin, to name a few) which allows for easy understanding of some of the Pope's more recent messages. Of course, these also allow for full appreciation of the foreign spoken word. It is interesting to hear how easily the Pope manages the dialects of each language spoken.

A highlight of listening pleasure is a recording of the Pope singing Pater Noster, The Lord's Prayer. Ovations have been either kept or added giving the impression of a "live-concert performance" all the while mixed with a complimentary musical accompaniment.

It is unfortunate that more of the Pope's pleasant singing voice was not included on this CD. Perhaps, hopefully, this will transpire on a next release.

Whether you are a linguist, a cleric, a music lover, someone in search for inspiration or just curious by the novelty of it all, this CD has something I would expect most to enjoy.

This recording exceeded all my expectations. No wonder it was #1 on the European charts upon it's release. Being a Catholic and a
musician with a BA in Music Performance, I listened intently to the orchestration and production of this project. The music is International; as is the Pope. It beautifully combines music from all different cultures. It is hard not to get emotional and cry. Very few works combine this much emotion, spiritualism, and beauty. Hearing the voice of the Pope will move you from joy to tears with each individual track. He is a very blessed man in any language. What a privledge to own this work. It has become my favorite. Do not hesitate. Buy this CD now. You will be thankful.

Great concept from start to finish.
The music is moving and inspiring. To hear the Holy Father's voice was inspiration enough. Great for use in prayer and reflection.
Sound quality is excellent. So is the design of the CD booklet.
I must admit I was a little surprised. I was not expecting a product so professionally produced.