Mysteria: Gregorian Chants

Chanticleer (Artist)

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 28, 1995)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Teldec
• ASIN: B000000SRW
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #8,742 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #2 in	Music > Classical > Featured Performers, A-Z > ( C ) > Chanticleer
  #41 in	Music > Classical > Historical Periods > Early Music > Vocal & Song
  #77 in	Music > Classical > Sacred & Religious > Hymns

Track Listings

1. Immutemur, Antiphon

2. Kyrie XVII

3. Laetatus Sum Gradual (Modo VII)

4. Hosanna Pslam 23, Antiphon

5. Dominus Lesus, Antiphon

6. Tenebrae Factae Sunt, Responsory

7. Pange Lingua, Crux Fidelis, Hymn With Refrain

8. Reproaches and Trisagion

9. Reproaches and Trisagion

10. Vexilla Regis, Hymn

11. Gloria in Excelsis II

12. Alleluia V. Pashca Nostrum

13. Victimae Paschali Laudes, Sequence

14. Iubilate Deo, Offertory

15. Agnus Dei XVII

16. In Honor Of The Blessed Virgin Mary: Antiphon: Alma Redmeptoris

17. Ave Regina Caelorum, Antiphon

18. Regina Caeli, Antiphon

19. Salve Regina, Antiphon

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

From the first notes of the Lenten antiphon "Immutemur," you feel a soothing, reassuring calm from Chanticleer's sensuous, lyrical legato style and perfect unison expression and phrasing. This is first class singing, no matter what the repertoire. But this just happens to be chant, which requires a particular sensitivity to syllabic emphasis and to the rise and fall of phrasing, all of which is determined as much by tradition as by sense of the text. Since there is no existing notation that clearly indicates rhythm or meter for the earliest body of chant repertoire, and there is no unbroken line of chant singing that goes back to the first and second centuries, singers have to rely on a certain accepted scholarship and a tradition that's only a couple of hundred years old. Chanticleer's performing decisions here are articulate, musicologically sensible, and above all musically satisfying, taking this music to its proper level of exalted simplicity. The program includes some of the gems of Gregorian chant, such as "Pange lingua, Crux fidelis" and "Victimae paschali laudes." --David Vernier

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

64 of 64 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful, May 18, 2002

By	Guy Cutting (Montgomery, AL USA) - See all my reviews

I came upon Chanticleer through my interest in Renaissance polyphony. I bought their recording of Palestrina's Missa Pro Defunctis and was extremely pleased. I thought at first that they were explicitly dedicated to early music (I had only come across the Palestrina and this chant CD); my impression was that they were a kind of all-male version of the Tallis Scholars. I discovered, though, that they explore all types of music (from early to contemporary, even commissioning new works on a fairly regular basis). I was able to see them in concert a few weeks ago, and as always was impressed with their skill.

This group really does do almost everything well. They have put to disc a recording of Tallis' If Ye Love Me (one of the English Anthems) that is wonderful and sublime. When I heard them a few weeks ago, they did a few 20th century Cuban folk songs that were just as enjoyable. They are known best (probably) for their smooth sound and great blending. There are never any rough edges to any of the voices - even the countertenors, who are really quite skilled, by the way - and their balance is delicate and precise. That same smoothness is present on this CD as well. At times it is hard to believe that several voices are singing; the pitch and intonation is so good that often the 6 or so could pass for one or two. As usual, they are quite sensitive to the dynamics of the vocal line - their approach is subtle, and not forced. The result is an hour or so of chant that is soothing and relaxing, but also engaging and never monotonous.

The only drawback is this: as I understand the current state of "authentic" chant practice, Chanticleer's approach is probably not on the cutting edge of scholarly theory (they do not add some of the melismatic decorations that some groups use, for example). If you are really interested in that authenticity, the smooth voices might turn you off as well; many other groups use coarseness of the voices for texturing. Even if you are a stickler for those things, though, the visceral pleasure of listening to this recording will probably persuade you to put aside some of your ideas about "correct" practice.

On the other end of the spectrum (listeners with not much chant experience) this CD works to great effect as well. Again, the disc is an easy one to listen to; it is quiet and reflective without being spiritless. This CD might be a good choice for first exposure to Gregorian chant.

Highly recommended for all types of listeners. As per usual for Chanticleer, it is high quality work.

34 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Truely the best..., September 12, 2003

By A Customer

...CD of Gregorian Chant (other than that recorded by our local abbey) that I have in my collection. The purity of pronounciation, the precision of timing and phrasing is beyond compare. Whether a lover of chant, or a first time listener, I recommend you give this a try.

Turn out the lights, light some candles, burn some incense and you will be transported to another, far more peaceful and less stressful place. I use this CD to focus on God during my prayer times, and I find it an invaluable worship resource.

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb, October 21, 2001

By	Jacqueline Manning (Cheshire, CT) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Of all the Chant CD's that I have, this one is the best! Close your eyes and you are in an abbey during high holy days. The quality of the voices and of the recording are the best I have ever heard.