Customer Reviews

Chant From the Hermitage

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For centuries monastics have "framed" their days with readings from the Psalms set to musical tone. This is called the "Daily Office". Christian music has many popular styles, but few cd's are based on the Daily Office, which is at the core of monastic spirituality. Forget Latin Gregorian Chants, which have an exotic or "New Age" sound. Forget soft nature music, which also sounds New Age. Ignore the typical contemporary Christian music, which is usually loud and fast. Bypass traditional hymns. If you are looking for meditation music with a Christian slant, search for something built on the Psalms.

Once you make the leap you will discover two realities. First, other music will seem somehow hollow. And, second, you will be distressed by the lack of options. There are only a few musicians out there that create worship cd's built on the Daily Office. Gregory Norbet has a couple. The Northumbria Community has one, as does Cyprian Consiglio. And then there is John Michael Talbot. Talbot merges the contemporary world with historic monasticism in life and it overflows into his music.

Talbot's music has depth. It is created on the lyrics rather than musical style or popular fads. He usually selects only the best lyrics from the rich history of Christianity. This cd is no exception. Pick it up and use it as a meditation tool for your morning and evening devotions. It will calm you and inspire you. More important, it may help to change you, make you better, draw you closer to God. What more can you ask of one small cd?

Sublime Gregorian chant in both Latin and comtemporary style. The arrangement of these songs are cotemplative and transforming. END

Vital to all catholics interested in the mystical nature of Christ and His church

I love the clarity, simple harmonies, and balance of these chants from the best of the Christian tradition. For more than a thousand years these melodies have lifted up all who hear or sing them, no matter what language is being used. John Michael Talbot gives them to us in English. If you are a Christian you will recognize lyrics from the Psalms, the Creed, and portions of the Bible. If you are learning about Christianity and want a good trustworthy guide, then get this album and listen "with the ear of your heart." Rich rewards await you!

I've been fortunate in seeing John Michael Talbot in concert twice. Once with his brother and band performing his rock music and the other as a solo performer of his early scriptural compositions. He's a gifted performer and has a wonderful voice. Chant from the Hermitage mirrors his early scripturally based music and its meditative format. If you're looking for music to provide an uplifting experience, you'll enjoy this offering. It's familiar, spiritually comforting, and vintage Talbot. If you're looking for something to get you going physically, try his Monk Rock.