Customer Reviews

A Portrait Of Anonymous 4

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I learned about this quartet though a review in Stereophile magazine. Although they don't publish a lot of reviews, I've had exceptionally good luck with their past picks and have been able to branch out successfully in new musical directions as a result.

These four women are virtuoso female vocalists, hauntingly pure of voice. They perform music from centuries ago in the same type of setting that it was originally performed in, with stunning results. I'm generally not one for "religious" material (this is the first recording of this nature I've ever bought), but this music goes so far back in time that it sounds more primal than Christian overall.

A refreshing change when you're in the right mood, and something that can relax even you type A personalities out there (and you *know* who you are :) , I can suggest this one without reserve. You'll be adding a nice, quiet corner to your collection, and you'll probably wind up visiting it more than you ever imagined.

Four female voices have never blended together so perfectly and beautifully as do those of the 'Anonymous 4.' Their CD titled, 'Portrait' contains a selection of tracks from seven other previous CD's, kind of a "Best Of" you might say.

If angels ever came down from heaven to record a CD this is what they would sound like.

Harmonious, Celestial, Purifying and Eternal.

This amazing quartette is so talented. The Christmas cd reminds me of Christmas 50 years ago in rural England where I grew up. It contains the only rendition of The Holly and the Ivy I have heard that actually does the carol justice.

If you want to be carried away by the sound of crystal clear voices singng as though the angels were calling to you, buy this album. There is nothing more to say.

These ladies sing medieval chant. It's usually written in a polyphonic (more than one melody) line that was intended to play off of each other in a perfect unity (strictly avoiding the tri-tone or any other less "holy" intervals).

The result is a carefully arranged, haunting sound that does not use the common harmonies that we are used to today. Chant should be performed with no emphasis given to the individual voice, but with the group as a whole, sounding the praises of God.

Anonymous 4 does a fantastic job of balancing their a-capella sound into one voice. It's a great recording for relaxation.

This compilation is a great sampling of music by Anonymous 4. I enjoy listening to it while working on tasks around the house or for sitting and winding down at the end of the day.

I now own four albums by these wonderful singers. I listen to them often. Their music (the albums I have) is ethereal, and carries me away, mostly to the medieval era, an age I study often. They are true virtuosos. Their harmonics are as good as I have ever heard anywhere. They have a powerful command of the music they sing, but always show humility in their presentation. They manifestly respect the original intent of the pieces they sing. And do they transport the listener!? YES. Recently I put on Portrait just as I started off across the Kansas prairie a bit after dawn. The music was a perfect compliment to the rising light, the sere geography, and the sense of being alone. And therein lies the essence of their presentation, the ability to let the listener make the music his own, as he sees fit, and to be transported by it.

This item is a gift for a cousin. She really likes this group, and I was able to find a nice selection on Amazon.

If you love vocal music these gals are fabulous! This is a best of album, which is always good as an introduction to a new artist. It gives you a taste of their various albums, so you can go ahead and pursue the ones you like. Enjoy!

If you enjoy music that takes you to a different time and place, you will get lost in time with this beautiful work.