Eternal Chant [BOX SET]

Anonymous (Composer), English Anonymous (Composer), Giuseppe Antonio Bernabei (Composer), Ambrosian Chant (Composer), Gregorian Chant (Composer), Ludovicus Perruchot (Composer), Jacques Vide (Composer), Anne-Marie Deschamps (Conductor), J.-M. Roland (Conductor), Jean-Fracois Samson (Conductor), Michael Wackenheim (Conductor), Olivier Bossard (Conductor), Les Ambrosiniens of the Fontenay Abbey (Performer), Venance Fortunat Ensemble (Performer), Chevilly Fathers of the Holy Spirit (Orchestra), Children's Choir of the Dijon Cathedral (Orchestra), Chevilly Choir of the Fathers of the Holy Spirit (Orchestra), Maîtrise de la Cathédrale de Dijon (Orchestra)

Product Details

• Performer: Les Ambrosiniens of the Fontenay Abbey, Venance Fortunat Ensemble
• Orchestra: Chevilly Fathers of the Holy Spirit, Children's Choir of the Dijon Cathedral, Chevilly Choir of the Fathers of the Holy Spirit, Maîtrise de la Cathédrale de Dijon
• Conductor: Anne-Marie Deschamps, J.-M. Roland, Jean-Fracois Samson, Michael Wackenheim, Olivier Bossard
• Composer: Anonymous, English Anonymous, Giuseppe Antonio Bernabei, Ambrosian Chant, Gregorian Chant, et al.
• Audio CD (October 25, 1994)
• Number of Discs: 3
• Format: Box set
• Note on Boxed Sets: During shipping, discs in boxed sets occasionally become dislodged without damage. Please examine and play these discs. If you are not completely satisfied, we'll refund or replace your purchase.
• Label: Atlantic / Wea
• ASIN: B000002J2X
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #306,269 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Viae Viri Sancti - Psalm 109: Dixit Dominus

2. Qui Sedes

3. Rorate Caeli

4. Beginning Of Christmas Vespers: Harmonized Invitatory

5. Jubilate

6. Ecce Advenit

See all 18 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. Alleluia, Veni, Domine

2. Antiphons For Advent: Jucundare Filla Sion

3. Alma Redemptoris

4. Sanctus

5. Stirps Jesse

6. Juncundare

See all 23 tracks on this disc

Disc: 3

1. Bells & Footsteps

2. Diffusa Est

3. Reading: Isaiah ch. 40, Verses 4-8

4. Jam Christus

5. Magnus Dominus (Psalm 47)

6. Birds & Bells

See all 29 tracks on this disc

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Here's a set that for many collectors will slam the monk's gate on further chant acquisitions. In other words, this could be as close to a definitive compilation as there ever will be. What's more, it's beautifully packaged, intelligently programmed, and authentically performed--by real monastic, cathedral, and abbey choirs in authentic locations in France. The three discs were compiled from the catalog of Studio SM, a French label that has specialized in recording chant for more than 40 years. Although there is some variance in sound quality and in the performing styles of the different choirs, the overall production values are impressive. Solemn and uplifting moments mingle with the charming: during one of the selections, we hear both the bells and birds of Tarnie Abbey. The 40-page booklet contains extensive liner notes, photographs, texts, and translations. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great compilation!, November 7, 2002

By	Jack Kirven (Charlotte, NC) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

i am doing a performance art work based on umberto eco's "the name of the rose." the novel takes place in an abbey, and the story is structured around the daily pattern of prayer observed by the monks. i was hoping to find some nice recordings of gregorian chant, but i wasn't prepared to find EXACTLY what i needed! what a nice surprise -- not everything in life has to be suffering and pain i suppose... i digress. the quality of the recordings is excellent, and i really appreciate the abient noises in the background (bells, doors opening, birds, wind, etc). these sounds are proof of the authenticity of the experience -- you are hearing the monks as they progress through their day -- it is so nice to hear something that wasn't constructed electronically in a sound studio. the collection is great for people who want relaxing and/or spiritual music, but it is also very important to those students of monastic life who want to understand better the daily rituals that make up a monk's life. you might also be interested in this compilation if you are studying music history or music appreciation, or if you are interested in hearing music sung in latin (a good resource for language students). all in all this is the best gregorian chant collection i've been able to find after much searching: great sound quality, consistency (same people's voices, same acoustics, etc) logical progressions through the provided selections, and reasonable pricing. this compilation is also great if you need a thorough survey of gregorian chant

5.0 out of 5 stars C'est un trésor!, May 12, 2009

By	Maurice D'Archonnoir "Narcisse" (Istanbul) - See all my reviews

It is really hard to find a decent Gregorian Chant Collection. The only possible alternatives are "musique d'abord" series of harmonia mundi/france, or DG's double disc gregorian chant album. But here, we have a three disc collection of unequaled magnificence. All recorded in abbeys or monasteries throughout France that are indicated in a map of churches which can be found within the very illuminating booklet, alongside the names of performing artists or choirs, beautiful images and fully translated latin texts of the 67 recorded chants. (between 1970-1992)

the first disc offers the plainsong tradition without any accompaniment, it has some gorgeous surprises such as a hauntingly beautiful rendition of "alleluia: justus germinabit" sung by Chanterelle del Vasto. while the second and third discs possess some humble organ accompaniment or atmospheric bell sounds.

Overall this is the best gregorian compilation available. Very good quality sound, very deeply involved choir singing (which is very difficult to find) with excellent documentation. What can we ask more except for a second or third compilation like this one ?

3.0 out of 5 stars Eloquently and simply sung, December 19, 2008

By	Ken Cybulska "Ken Cybulska" (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

Simple and unadorned distinctively presented and sung Gregorian Chant.

Eloquently and simply sung.

Recording includes bells and very simple harmonies, with an echo effect, as if sung within a simple monastery setting.

Nicely performed and presented.

Ken Cybulska