Customer Reviews

Chant: Music For The Soul

5 star:		(43)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I've been interested in Gregorian chant for at least 35 years. Over the years, I have recordings of the chant on cassette & a couple on CD, but this is by far the best. I purchased it on the the strength of an article in the New York Times in late June/early July about the monastery and the recording of some of their daily chant that they had agreed to do; I almost never purchase things on the strength of the recommendation in an article/review. Clearly, the article was persuasive. This the most supple, sublime performance of Gregorian chant I have ever heard. I am not Catholic, but rather a Lutheran, while at the same time being a student of yoga. This recording speaks to the need to die to oneself in the praise of the Divine as recommended in Protestant Christian, Buddhist, and Hindu traditions. I would recommend this to anyone interested in an auditory representation of humanity's desire to connect with the Divine, especially someone looking for something that would aid devotion or meditation. This recording is utterly beautiful and conducive to facilitating an individual's pursuit of the Divine, notwithstanding my own less than perfect understanding of the Latin used in the chant.

Kudos to the engineers for a beautifully resonant recording in the Stift Heiligenkreuz. The abbey, visited by Benedict XVI who has praised publicly the beauty of its liturgical chant, has created a consummately attractive collection of Gregorian melody that's become a hot international item. The singing itself, compared with Solesmes, is thicker and less spontaneous; the divine interior pulse of Gregorian chant seems often lost by over-consideration. The natural freedom of the singing at Solesmes is a benchmark, and often a spoiler when listening to other recordings; Solesmes' chant, as a musical art, exhibits a spiritual perfection. Chant from the Abbeys of En Calcat, St Maurice and St Maur and others, in its own way bears this kindred spiritual freedom rooted in Solesmes. The devotion of the monks of Heiligenkreuz is apparent, pure and strong, and naturally recommends this disc; musically, which is to say, spiritually, a stream different from Solesmes runs here. Differences between the two Orders although branches of the same tree of Benedict, and inevitable national traditions also figure. It's disappointing the Italian pronunciation of ecclesiastical Latin is transgressed at Heiligenkreuz, where a mixed classical pronunciation is used to chant the liturgical texts. A comparison of the Heiligenkreuz Compline with the Vespers and Compline recording from Solesmes is instructive musically and spiritually, and worth pursuing for those interested. This disc remains a solid effort that truthfully introduces a unique sacred music to countless people who know nothing of it, and will mostly please those who appreciate Gregorian chant. Get it with confidence. And check out as well the discs of chant from Solesmes.

This is amazingly beautiful. Imagine walking into Chartres cathedral on a rainy day. The sheer beauty and of the place overwhelms you with the feeling that you are in the presence of God. Then, from somewhere, music begins. It is lovely and otherworldly. The voices rise and fall, bringing goosebumps to your skin. It is something beyond time and beyond human knowledge.

That's the experience of this music.

Worth every penny and more.

This is a very enchanting album. One is transported to another place and time. A place of peace, a place of hope. The sound of their voices and the ringing of the church bells is heavenly.

I don't care much for the Teutonic pronunciation of the Latin, but the musicality of these monks is quite good and makes for a prayerful collection of chants.

I had heard many wonderful things about this CD so I ordered ir for myself, my grandson and my sister. If I could afford to, I'd send it to everyone I love! Beautiful, prayerful, peaceful. A must have in this time of uncertainty!

This is a truly a great CD. Thank God for the The Cistercian Monks of Stift Heiligenkreuz.

Great record. What you are hear is the actual praying service of the Cistercian monastery, not a comercial production.

Perfect chant from the depth of Silence enlivening the glorious creation in which we live. This album is a perfect example of Christian Liturgy of Ages Past and Ages yet to come. Excellent for everyone.

It is likely unknown to many that Gregorian Chant evolved out of the Jewish Temple liturgy of the time of Christ. Even without understanding Latin, listing to this chant prayerfully raises the heart, mind, and soul to God. The best description of the feeling this chant gives is softness. Everything is so smooth, calming, and peaceful. There are no bumps, nothing sharp, just peace. While people of various religious traditions can appreciate this music, it should especially be cherished by Roman Catholics, as it is our musical heritage. The documents of the Second Vatican Council state that "The musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art," and that Gregorian Chant should be given "pride of place" in liturgical services.