Customer Reviews

Chant Corse: Corsican Chant from Franciscan Manuscripts 17th & 18th C.

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I picked up this CD on a whim, I happen to be an ardent fan of religious music (I myself am Byzantine Catholic) especially the varying types of ancient chant,both Eastern (Orthodox) and Western. This CD absolutely blew me away. The best I can describe it is a fusion of sophisticated western polyphony with the Eastern "Greek" tonal style. Absolutely amazing. This is a must have CD!

I must commend Marcel Peres for his devotion to reviving music in the manner which it was intended. This recording of Corsican Chant is the most convincing and truly uplifting music I have heard in my lifetime... I shall not despair in humanity any longer! Listen to the rich, dense polyphony and clear voices of the traditional singers as they flawlessly reconstruct music of the 16th and 17th centuries. When you open this CD, you will open a time capsule.

The (anonymous) composer(s) use pitches and meters much different than what is typically heard in 16-17th century chant. Listeners don't have to be religious to feel the spirituality and the beauty of this music.

The polyphony of Corsica - passed down orally for centuries on the scenic Mediterranean island - is a beautiful thing, and this might be the most stunning recording of it ever made. The music is drawn from a number of written sources, which makes for excellent variety; add to this the fact that the tracks switch between male and female choirs, and you've got an album that never fails to grab your attention. The music itself, thanks to partly improvised ornamentations, is infused with gritty humanity - see track four, "Sanctus," for a perfect example (particularly on the syllable "Ple"). Marcel Peres really hit the jackpot with this gem...it was an especially smart move to assemble a troupe of native Corsican singers to interpret the repertory.

In conclusion: a great buy. Not your average 17th/18th century European vocal music...but certainly some of the greatest.