Customer Reviews

Songs & Prayers from Taize

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I have visited Taize a few years back, and this CD brings me back a lot of very nice memories...The simplicity and pureness of the musicand songs are every day reality forthose living there.It is dedicatedto God, in many languages of the Globe...the songs are so grabbing,simple, yet beautiful-just like themessage God has for Humanity.It iswritten with eternal Love.The CD isan excellent aid for those who pray,meditate, or simply looking to relaxtheir mind...It feels, as you are there, with them.It is a truly spirit lifting experience, a breathof fresh air...from Heaven.

If you are looking for inspiration to pray while singing and/or listening to music, listening to Taize is certainly one of the most fulfilling spiritual experiences. I have been listening to Taize for about 10 years, and I do not cease to find inspiration in the simple yet beautiful tunes the Taize community offers to the Christian world.

Taize style music is very popular among college-age worshippers today, and our Centre for University Ministry regularly offers Taize services. The hallmarks of Taize services are simplicity, peaceful spirituality, and music based upon the chant styles of the Taize monastery in France. Founded in the aftermath of the second World War by Brother Roger, who died in a prayer service in the midst of the community in August 2005, Taize is dedicated to peace and ecumenical action.

Taize music is both simple and sophisticated. Brother Roger, founder of Taize, seeks to add a prayerful element to music, and a musical element to prayer, believing firmly in the old dictum, 'those who sing, pray twice'.

The songs of Taize are designed to be sung by those who have difficulty carrying a tune, as well as those whose training and background in music extends to high levels.

This recording contains many of the best Taize chants. Given the international outreach of Taize (it is a great pilgrimage site for people all over the world), the chants tend to be sung in Latin. The Latin is not due to Catholic influence as much as it a shared language among many people's linguistic heritage while no longer being anyone's first language. Brother Roger reclaimed Latin as a language for the monastery so that no one 'living' language would claim a dominance over others.

Taize worship relies on psalms heavily, as well as periods of silence, Bible readings, and prayers. Some such pieces are included here.

The way Taize chants 'work' is that they are simple phrases and simple tunes that gradually reveal depth and sophistication by being repeated over and over. All chants presented in this text are put in multiple-part harmony (usually four-part), and some are marked to be done in rounds.

This recording is a rich expression, wonderfully presented. According to Brother Roger, all who follow this journey of the spirit remain alongside other people, adding their prayers and voices together. 'They do not separate prayer and commitment.'

The Taize meditation CD has many songs sung in Latin, including the popular "Veni Sancte Spiritus". (Parenthetically, an expanded version of this song is on another excellent Taize CD "Taize: Veni Sancte Spiritus".) Each of the tracts is short with no song longer than three-and-a-half minutes. While I can guess at the Latin meanings of the lyrics, I have had to look up translations of a few of the songs. While I enjoy listening to this CD, and have purchased copies to give to others who like the Taize meditaions, it is probably my least favorite of the five CDs presently available.

This Taize cd brings refreshment to me when I hear it. I was in Medjugorje this past Christmas. I ordered the CD because the titles were the same as those sung in Medjugorje. I wasn't disappointed. When I listen to the CD, I am reminded of the peace I experienced in Medjugorje!

simple and short but very profound songs, psalms and chants from the western latin/english tradition. great for easy listening or incorporating into personal devotional or meditative prayer. the quality of the recording was not what it could be. although stylistically this would probably more familiar to Catholics i would recommend these psalms and songs for any Christians seeking to recapture more traditional and Scripture based worship venues within the modern context of their daily lives.

If you wish to include that which is beautiful, that which is good, that which is right in your life, include taize'.

I loved this cd so much I've now bought it for a gift. The songs and prayers are beautiful for listening as I quilt. You will feel calmed, centered, and inspired. Lovely, lovely, lovely music.

I received a CD that appeared to have been copied from a cracked record. The music is tinny and the crack is easily heard.

Great prayerful songs! Looked for it for ages and am glad I finally got it, very soothing and it just forms a great reminder of the prayers in the Psalms!