Customer Reviews

Divine Rites

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

 

 

Far from being obscure feminist chants, Divine Rites is actually a unique adaptation of chants familiar to all Orthodox Christians. All the chants on this CD are still in use today, are explicitly Christian, and have always been chanted by men and women alike. This CD's most interesting addition to this musical tradition is the creative and expressive accompaniment and mixing of these enduring melodies, which are thus proven all the more timeless.

Fadia El-Hage's beautiful voice is the perfect instrument to bring this treasure of the Orthodox to a wider audience.

From the very first note to the last, this CD will take you on an enchanting and trance inducing trip. The vocals of Fadia El Hage are amazing. This is a talent to watch very closely. I just hit the repeat button on my player everytime I play this CD... over and over again. Lighting candles while listening helps...enjoy

I was not quite sure what to expect from this CD having only heard one or two cuts from a friends copy, but what little I heard got me interested enough to take the chance on Vox. I am so glad I did. The vocals on this CD are crystal clear (even though I have no idea what she is saying) and worshipful. If you like chants and clear vocals this CD will do it for you.

Especially in Crucifixion, do not know translation of the words she is singing - but there is so much emotion..to be there (lends me to think of The Passion of Christ), to feel such sadness and she sings it (if that is a correct interpretation).
For the other songs, she resembles Enya but Middle Eastern Style - which I also find wonderful to listen to.

Ah this CD is hot. Beautiful, transcendental VOX (as in Vocals.) hehe.. great magickal musick. Keep in mind that Early-Christian was in fact quite Pagan; as Witches and such did not begin to be put to death and torture until after 1000 C.E. Anyway.. I thought this was the band VAS (with Azam Ali on vox [vocals]); the Middle Eastern style is VERY similar. If you like this, you would ADORE "Feast of Silence" by Vas.
Blessings Be,
~Raven~

The CD was amazing and it reminded me of Sunday school for I learned some of these hyms in church (Antiochan Orthodox). The history behind these chants is ancient (Byzantine Empire) and reflects on the rich mosaic cultures of the Near East.

This superb rendition of some key Holy Week and Pascha hymns are presented in a very unique manner in that it combines both the byzantine/maronite chanting tradition of the Middle East sung by Fadia el-Hage and modern instrumentation such as synthesizers and electric guitar/keyboard to produce a very captivating effect. You can definitely feel the passion and ressurection of Christ in Fadia's golden voice.

Great collection of hymns and songs.You will be tranformed by the purity of Fadia's voice.

Wow! There is something so special about Lebanese female singers. It seems that they have been given their voices by some angelic, heavenly creature. Fairuz, Majeda El Roumi, and now Fadia Hajj!

I listen to many c/ds everyday in my massage practice. Some c/d stand out and others do not. I thought this one was going to be one of those shining stars. I was greatly disapointed. The songs all sound the same after a while. The electric guitar on track 2 is completely out of place. I commonly skip that track altogether. I like the idea of this release and voice work is superb, but it does not hold up. I use it like a very rich dessert and listen to it once in a great while.