Customer Reviews

Lionheart: Paris 1200 - Chant and Polyphony from 12th Century France

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I was able to attend a live performance of many of these tracks by Lionheart at the International Medieval Conference at Kalamazoo in May 2005. Being a fan of early polyphony and chant, I couldn't wait for the concert to start. Then the lights dimmed in the theater, and people quieted down, waiting for the performers to arrive. What was a pleasent surprise for me was that a faint melody line threaded its way from the hall at the theater's entrance. Here Lionheart was performing the first song on the CD, "Breves dies hominis." As they filed into the theater and made their way to the stage chanting they passed by my aisle seat. For a moment I was not in the theater- I was in the newly constructed cathedral of Notre Dame, the monks' singing intermingling with the structure of the cathedral...

By then (mind you we haven't even gotten through the first song) I knew I would have to get the CD. The songs are beautifully done, the harmonics are right on, and, in my humble opinion, the style is most authentic I've heard so far. This album is a fine example of early polyphony and chant. If you feel the need to buy that chant CD to see what it's all about- don't go to the $7.99 generic CD that you find everywhere, mostly because they lack the soul that chant should have and not very well done. Instead, buy this album, and enjoy what music should be.

Lionheart, a six man a cappella ensemble, have such perfect unity, and a sound so clear, they make this collection of 13th century chants one of the most peaceful CDs I own. Great for study, reading, or just to listen to its beauty, this mystical, glorious plainchant is a joy.
As is typical with this kind of music which is based on the Gregorian chant, the tempos and sound levels are even, and very serene.

Leonin was a composer and priest at Nortre Dame, and Perotin his student, who revised and added complexity and voices to the music.
The pieces are about the Virgin Mary, some Greek mythology, the evils of a world at war, and more. The booklet insert has the words for all 18 chants in Latin and English. Recorded at the Leominster Priory, England, in 1997, the sound is great and total time 73'54.
Lionheart, acclaimed internationally for their interpretations of various styles of music, have given us a superb, impeccable recording of medieval chants with this lovely CD.

Paris' greatest hits from the 13th Century. My daughter recommended this to me, saying it was on her "must have" list. It's on mine, too, after one listen. This is gorgeous, sacred music.

I have gotten so enchanted when I heard this magic CD. The voices are so special. They bring us the atmosphere of the religiosity of medieval France. All is vibrant in this CD. When I am listening the music, I can feel myself in an old medieval abbey. I can imagine the mass, the medieval world. This Cd is the most sensitive work that I have heard lately.

Most people who like spiritual "chant" music enjoy its peaceful qualities, and it's easy to never explore beyond this obvious attribute. But despite the peaceful voices of the Lionheart singers, this album transports the listener into a much more profound realm of experience. It was created by people of faith who suffered, and dreamed, and searched for spiritual meaning. The voices are magnificent, the music is gorgeous. But it's the heart of this album that will grab you and hold onto you. Don't miss out on the chance to own it.