1000: A Mass for the End of Time / Anonymous 4 [IMPORT]

Gregorian Chant (Artist), Anonymous 4 (Artist)

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 12, 2000)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
• ASIN: B00004UFGW
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #69,397 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential recording

Remember all of the year-2000 nervousness in the latter part of 1999? That was nothing. As the year 1000 approached, people all over the Christian world were convinced that the Apocalypse--as depicted in the biblical Book of Revelation--and the end of the world were at hand. In one of the more interesting musical program ideas to be inspired by the turn of the calendrical odometer, Anonymous 4 revisits the original "millennium madness" with a disc of chant from around the year 1000--specifically, a Mass for the Feast of the Ascension, one of the few occasions on which the liturgy included readings from the Book of Revelation. This is the oldest written Western music to have survived, and it's difficult even to decipher (the original notation has no staff lines or clear indications of rhythm), let alone perform. Yet, the challenges involved seem to have done these ladies good: not only is their performance both assured and confident, but one can hear new facets in their vocal sound--a sound that, however beautiful it might be, some listeners find monotonous. (One new facet is Jacqueline Horner, the quartet's newest member, for whom this is the first recording.) The singers experiment with interpretation of ornaments that are indicated in the manuscript sources (there's a fascinating little trill that sounds rather like a cooing dove); in some of the chants, they add an additional line in accordance with the principles of improvising polyphony that were laid out in 10th- and 11th-century treatises. The entire program seems thoroughly considered, as well as immaculately executed. If you count on the consistently pure, silky tone and meditative quality that has made Anonymous 4 world-famous, you'll definitely find it here; if you've gotten bored with them, you might find this disc a fascinating surprise. --Matthew Westphal

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

82 of 85 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Peace Beyond All Understanding, April 30, 2002

By	sweetie (Atlanta, Georgia) - See all my reviews

I have always been highly suspicious of "spiritual people". Why them and not me? I was only looking for pretty music when I, a rock n roller by upbringing, purchased this CD. What followed during the listening of this CD, was a deeply meditative state as I let the music, so beautiful words cannot describe, transport me into a deeper consciousness. There I was able to pray from the deepest part of my soul. A first. It has immediately replaced my incremental valium use. I am not a meditator, not into Yoga, don't even like people who are, but this music sounds like the holy ghost if it can be personified, who pleads with such compassion for each and every one of us in a world gone mad. The gregorian chant music on this particular cd seems to be telling the story of time and man to God. It is a sad and compassionate tale that doesn't miss a detail as its heavenly and soulful sound tells in words beyond my understanding a long story filled with strife, sin, pain and sorrow, yet with such love and feeling that it catches its listener up as though it were part of the communication to God and lifts the listener to a serene place where all of the cement jungle, and hostile traffic, and hate among people seem to become the other dimension and not the dimension you find yourself in when listening to this CD. Maybe it is something different for every listener. This was my experience.

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars No End only a Beginning, November 29, 2000

By	Enrique Torres "Rico" (San Diegotitlan, Califas) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

I only started listening to "Annonymous 4" this past year but I love them. I have not been dissappointed by any of their CD's. They have a sampler CD entitled "Portrait" that features songs from their upteen CD's, you might start there to see if you like this type of music. There is not much for me to say about this CD except it is beautiful. The voices of angels on earth. I imagine this music is not for everyone but if you're reading this you are at least curious. Holy music from a bygone millennium, medieval music for spiritualists in the new millennium. Much too technical and not enough expertise to explain the music , suffice to say you feel cleansed after listening. A quite period , a time for contemplation, a time to search one's soul, a time for a performance by "Annonymous 4". A wayward Catholics connection to the spiritual path written a thousand years ago, it's church music to listen to anywhere. Written for the feast of the Ascension it elevates the mind and soul to those places that only peace can bring. It is hard to distinguish when there is a solo and when there is a chorus, it is sung singularly in unison inspired by the divine. The wonder and beauty of all it inspires is the gift that the "Annonymous 4" have recreated. Light a candle, close your eyes and listen, the church is within.

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of their finest, April 2, 2002

By	Cry the Name "templeofsilenceandstars" (this temple of silence and stars) - See all my reviews

What can be said about the renowned, magnificent, unfailing, and achingly beautiful music of Anonymous 4? You can't really go wrong with any of their discs. They are all top notch. If I had to recommend one to a first-timer, I would have to suggest either this one, "1000 - A Mass for the End of Time," or "The Legends of St. Nicholas." Both are remarkable. Remarkable in a way that transcends their normal stunning beauty. The artists have grown in power and depth over the years. This album shows it.