An English Ladymass: Medieval Chant and Polyphony [IMPORT]

Anonymous (Artist), Marsha Genensky (Artist), Anonymous 4 (Artist)

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 8, 1993)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
• ASIN: B0000007DL
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #57,865 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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  #13 in	Music > Classical > Featured Performers, A-Z > ( A ) > Anonymous 4
  #43 in	Music > Opera & Vocal > Vocal Non-Opera > Partsongs

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential recording

In the six years since this female quartet astonished the music world with its clear- voiced, impeccably sung renditions of medieval chant and polyphonic music, chant rose from the dark and dusty corners of classical music to enjoy a phenomenal run at center stage. New and reissued chant recordings achieved sales figures normally reserved for popular music. This is the recording that started it all (that Spanish monks disc came later), winning awards and earning near- permanent resident status on the national charts. Spiritually moving and vocally revelatory, this program re-creates a kind of mass sung in English churches during the 13th and 14th centuries. With their warm tone and perfect intonation, these four singers achieve an expressiveness that is rare among chant interpreters, most effective in the seductive, highly ornamented "Kyrie." The sound is exemplary--although a studio recording, it perfectly conveys the atmosphere of an English cathedral. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A spiritual massage of the soul, June 11, 1999

By A Customer

Transport yourself to another time and another place with this mystical, mysterious, ethereal gem of an album. Fans of the "Chant" series will find themselves right at home, but this recording has a much broader appeal. While the "Chant" recordings focused on plainsong which tends towards unison tedium, this album -- and all the works of the fantastic Anonymous 4 -- offers a more accessible, harmonious sound. The beautiful, acapella harmonies of these four women are bound to fascinate and soothe any listener from any time. Putting in this CD and immersing yourself in the waves of sound can be a truly transcendant experiance; just listening will stop you in your tracks and allow you some quiet, contemplative time to center yourself or calm frazzled nerves. What better way to take a break from the hectic, day-to-day tribulations of the modern world than by escaping to another time entirely? Listen, and find yourself inexorably drawn back to a midieval -- almost primal -- calm. An essential recording: not to be missed.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A collection of gems, September 11, 1999

By A Customer

This recording, which breathes a vibrant life into these anonymous mediaeval compositions, is a treasure, and one of the most rewarding discs in the recent avalanche of early music recordings. The spectacular singing of this quartet is well-known, but at least as much praise must be given to their generous and shrewd selection of tunes.

This disc is particularly notable for the 'Sanctus' they have chosen - it may well be the most perfect 'Sanctus' you'll ever hear: concise, gorgeous, polished, simple, yet possessing a profound beauty - it is a gem. Also of great interest are 'Jesu Christe Milde Moder' - a Stabat Mater in the Old English vernacular, and a beautiful version of the Marian hymn 'Ave Maris Stella'.

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ethereal Music., August 22, 2000

By	Elliot Spendhermoney (Connecticut USA) - See all my reviews

I first learned of the existence of Anonymous 4 from a National Public Radio program. This music deserves a wider exposure, but it also has some of the appeal of being something secret or rare. It expresses the timelessness of faith with lyrics sung in the ancient Latin and having been written so long ago. "Chant" by the Benedictine Monks was popular a few years ago and should not be confused with Anonymous 4's music. The "Polyphany" in the title is important. Chant creates a wonderful reverant and cloistered atmosphere. But, the four voices singing in polyphany creates something angelic and wonderful. I think this music is best enjoyed in the background while reading an inspiring book or taking comtemplative time. It is serious and spiritual but also relaxing and meditative. I highly recommend this particular CD.