In Excelsis

On this CD:

1. Magnificat for chorus
Composed by Giles Swayne
Performed by Matthew Martin

2. Quid Petis, O Fili?, carol for 4 voices
Composed by Richard Pygott
Performed by Matthew Martin

3. The Lamb, for chorus
Composed by John Tavener
Performed by Matthew Martin

4. Come Holy Ghost
Composed by Jonathan Harvey
Performed by James Gilchrist, Matthew Martin

5. Western Wynde Mass for 4 voices Gloria
Composed by John Taverner
Performed by Stephen Taylor, William Unwin, Matthew Martin

6. Hymns (2) to the Mother of God, for chorus If You, O Woman full of Grace (from the Liturgy of St. Basil)
Composed by John Tavener
Performed by Matthew Martin

7. Ave Cuius Conceptio
Composed by Nicholas Ludford
Performed by Matthew Martin

8. Woffully Arraid for 4 voices
Composed by William Cornysh
Performed by Matthew Martin

9. I Love the Lord
Composed by Jonathan Harvey
Performed by Stephen Taylor, Matthew Martin

10. Libera nos
Composed by John Sheppard
Performed by Matthew Martin

11. God is with us (A Christmas Proclamation), for chorus & organ
Composed by John Tavener
Performed by Matthew Martin

12. Audivi vocem, motet for 4 voices, P. 90
Composed by Thomas Tallis
Performed by Matthew Martin

13. The Tyger, for chorus
Composed by John Tavener
Performed by Matthew Martin

Tracks:

Da Pacem, Domine: Introit
Haec Dies Quam Fecit Dominus: Gradual
Victimae Paschali Laudes: Sequence
Alleluia. Vir Dei Benedictus: Alleluia
Kyrie, Fons Bonitatis: Trope
Quam Magnificata Sunt Opera Tua Domine: Responsory
Ut Queant Laxis Resonare Fibris: Hymn
Cibavit Eos Ex Adipe Furmenti: Introit
Oculi Omnium In Te Sperant: Gradual
Spirtus Domini Replevit Orbem Terrarum: Introit
Alleluia. Veni Sancte Spiritus: Alleluia
Os Justi Meditabitur Sapientiam: Gradual
Kyrie 'Lux Et Origo'
Gloria In Excelsis Deo
Sanctus Dominus Deus Sabaoth
Agnus Dei, Qui Tollis Peccata Mundi
Ave Mundi Spes Maria: Sequence
Media Vita In Morte Sumus: Responsory
Salve, Regina, Mater Misericordiae: Antiphon

Customer Reviews:

efficaciously relaxing.......2007-06-27

This is exactly what I was looking for. I now have some music to play at work that is soothing and keeps me focused. It also keeps me grounded as to what is really important in life. Highly recommend it!!

very calming.......2007-01-19

these gregorian chants are very calming . If your riding in your car, walking , or just sitting . it makes for excellent listening.

Beautiful.......2005-08-28

Beautiful. Just like the first Chant. This is my "mellow out", puts me to sleep music. I didn't care for the applause at the end, but it's still a beautiful CD.

Same Question As Before.......2003-04-24

The music is flawless. Haunting, spiritual, engrossing, and above all gorgeous. This disc is nothing short of amazing. Yet I gotta ask. Why is it that a recording of BENEDICTINE monks has a cover photo of men in FRANCISCAN robes?

Same Quation As Before.......2003-04-24

Average customer rating:

Music to Transport You
The wrong CD
Truely the best...
Beautiful
a great cd

Mysteria

Manufacturer: Teldec
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Chants | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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Lost in Meditation: Meditative Gregorian Chants, Vol. 1
Chanticleer: Magnificat (A Capella Works by Josquin, Palestrina, Titov, Victoria, and Others)
Lost in Meditation: Meditative Gregorian Chants
Gregorian Chants: The Best of the Benedictine Monks of St. Michael's
Salve Regina: Gregorian Chant

ASIN: B000000SRW
Release Date: 1995-03-28

Tracks:

Ash Wednesday And Lent: Antiphon: Immutemur
Ash Wednesday And Lent: Kyrie XVII
Ash Wednesday And Lent: Gradual: Laetatus sum
Palm Sunday: Antiphon: Hosanna, Psalm 23
Maundy Thursday: Antiphon: Dominus Jesus
Good Friday: Responsory: Tenebrae factae sunt
Good Friday: Hymn with refrain: Pange lingua, Crux fidelis
Good Friday: Reproaches And Trisagion
Holy Saturday: Responsory: Christus factus est
Holy Saturday: Hymn: Vexilla Regis
EASTER: Gloria In excelsis II
EASTER: Alleluia V. Pascha nostrum
EASTER: Sequence: Victimae paschali laudes
EASTER: Offertory: Iubilate Deo
EASTER: Agnus Dei XVII
In Honor Of The Blessed Virgin Mary: Antiphon: Alma Redmeptoris
In Honor Of The Blessed Virgin Mary: Antiphon: Ave Regina caelorum
In Honor Of The Blessed Virgin Mary: Antiphon: Regina caeli
In Honor Of The Blessed Virgin Mary: Antiphon: Salve Regina

Amazon.com

From the first notes of the Lenten antiphon "Immutemur," you feel a soothing, reassuring calm from Chanticleer's sensuous, lyrical legato style and perfect unison expression and phrasing. This is first class singing, no matter what the repertoire. But this just happens to be chant, which requires a particular sensitivity to syllabic emphasis and to the rise and fall of phrasing, all of which is determined as much by tradition as by sense of the text. Since there is no existing notation that clearly indicates rhythm or meter for the earliest body of chant repertoire, and there is no unbroken line of chant singing that goes back to the first and second centuries, singers have to rely on a certain accepted scholarship and a tradition that's only a couple of hundred years old. Chanticleer's performing decisions here are articulate, musicologically sensible, and above all musically satisfying, taking this music to its proper level of exalted simplicity. The program includes some of the gems of Gregorian chant, such as "Pange lingua, Crux fidelis" and "Victimae paschali laudes." --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

Music to Transport You.......2007-01-21

I love this CD and it accomplishes exactly what I'd hoped it would--it is relaxing, meditative, reflective and beautiful. I use it for my yoga exercises or when I want calming music.

The wrong CD.......2005-09-04

I really made a mistake in choosing this CD. The presentation was near perfect but I was looking for something more than just chanting.

Truely the best..........2003-09-12

...CD of Gregorian Chant (other than that recorded by our local abbey) that I have in my collection. The purity of pronounciation, the precision of timing and phrasing is beyond compare. Whether a lover of chant, or a first time listener, I recommend you give this a try.

Turn out the lights, light some candles, burn some incense and you will be transported to another, far more peaceful and less stressful place. I use this CD to focus on God during my prayer times, and I find it an invaluable worship resource.

Beautiful.......2002-05-19

I came upon Chanticleer through my interest in Renaissance polyphony. I bought their recording of Palestrina's Missa Pro Defunctis and was extremely pleased. I thought at first that they were explicitly dedicated to early music (I had only come across the Palestrina and this chant CD); my impression was that they were a kind of all-male version of the Tallis Scholars. I discovered, though, that they explore all types of music (from early to contemporary, even commissioning new works on a fairly regular basis). I was able to see them in concert a few weeks ago, and as always was impressed with their skill.

This group really does do almost everything well. They have put to disc a recording of Tallis' If Ye Love Me (one of the English Anthems) that is wonderful and sublime. When I heard them a few weeks ago, they did a few 20th century Cuban folk songs that were just as enjoyable. They are known best (probably) for their smooth sound and great blending. There are never any rough edges to any of the voices - even the countertenors, who are really quite skilled, by the way - and their balance is delicate and precise. That same smoothness is present on this CD as well. At times it is hard to believe that several voices are singing; the pitch and intonation is so good that often the 6 or so could pass for one or two. As usual, they are quite sensitive to the dynamics of the vocal line - their approach is subtle, and not forced. The result is an hour or so of chant that is soothing and relaxing, but also engaging and never monotonous.

The only drawback is this: as I understand the current state of "authentic" chant practice, Chanticleer's approach is probably not on the cutting edge of scholarly theory (they do not add some of the melismatic decorations that some groups use, for example). If you are really interested in that authenticity, the smooth voices might turn you off as well; many other groups use coarseness of the voices for texturing. Even if you are a stickler for those things, though, the visceral pleasure of listening to this recording will probably persuade you to put aside some of your ideas about "correct" practice.

On the other end of the spectrum (listeners with not much chant experience) this CD works to great effect as well. Again, the disc is an easy one to listen to; it is quiet and reflective without being spiritless. This CD might be a good choice for first exposure to Gregorian chant.

Highly recommended for all types of listeners. As per usual for Chanticleer, it is high quality work.

a great cd.......2001-10-23

This cd is great if your always feeling stressed out. The cd really shows how beautiful the latin language can be. Gregorian chanting is also one of the most oldest forms of christain worship dating back to a time when people lived in fear of the "dragons" that lived across the Altanic ocean and the "demons" that lived beyond what is now Germany. People looked to a higher power for comfort and still today the music is very relaxing. If you love the haunting latin voices are if your just a fan of the middle ages(the name chanticleer comes from the Chaucer's Canterbury Tales) then this cd is a must for you.

Average customer rating:

It is absolutely breath-takingly beautiful.
Robert Shaw Choruses At Their Best!
Glorious

Gloria: Music of Praise & Inspiration

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The #1 Choral Album

ASIN: B00000DFWF
Release Date: 1998-10-27

Tracks:

Gloria In Excelsis
Sanctus
Glory To God
Awake The Harp
Gloria
Gloria
Sanctus
Heavenly Light
Aeterna Fac
Slava V Vyshnikh Bogu
Sanctus
Gloria
Alleluia
Sanctus
Magnificat

Amazon.com

This compilation features excerpts from some of the greatest sacred works in the literature--including Bach's Mass in B Minor, Handel's Messiah, Beethoven's Missa solemnis, and Verdi's Requiem--all led by Robert Shaw. The selections, from recordings made between 1983 and 1997 by Shaw and various ensembles including the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, are presented more or less in order of their composition, from Vivaldi's Gloria to Arvo Pärt's Magnificat. Especially thrilling is the complete "Gloria" from the Missa solemnis, 17 minutes of sheer grandeur, and the Sanctus movements from the Requiems of Verdi and Maurice Duruflé. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

It is absolutely breath-takingly beautiful........2007-05-15

I enjoyed this CD very much. It is just beautiful music.

Robert Shaw Choruses At Their Best!.......2004-09-20

If Sir Robert were still alive, & breathing, I believe he would be caught-up making music with this awesome, majestic, mystical GLORIA, Sanctus, Hallelujah Masterworks! I lucked-up on this old collection in the few classical CD'S in Best Buy!

At first hearing they sent me back into the 1970's when most of Church Musicians majored in Vivaldi's Gloria, the Sanctus of Bach's B-Minor Mass, the Long, georgeous GLORIA, Missa Solemnis, Beethoven, and incomparable Alleluia by Randall Thompson.

During a visit of Hurricane IVAN'S rushing winds and torrents of rain, I stayed on back roads of Decatur and East Atlanta! Also keeping alert & relaxed listening to Robert Shaw re-inventing his Choral Mystique! In slowly moving traffic of 2++ hours to Fayetteville, I kept alert singing along at 30 mph, wrapped in his quiet heavenly beauty of Koplov's "Heavenly Light!"

That mysteriously spiritual power of glorious choruses provided the same resourceful sounds of his eternal music-making from rehearsals in the Atlanta Symphony Chorus, Westminster Choir College and Avery Fischer Hall concerts in NYC! (1975-1985)

Only the early 33 1/3 recordings of the Robert Shaw Chorale in his Spirituals and Irish Songs, later Handel's Messiah and Bach B-Minor Mass were forerunners to his awesome listing of repeated Grammy winners, now printed in digital stereo color and sound! Hooray for Sir Robert and his rich chorale legacy... Let's keep them singing for Eternity! Retired Chaplain Fred W Hood

Glorious.......2000-06-30

If I had to choose one conductor to compile exerpts from the greatest masses and works in choral literature and history, I would only bestow that duty to Robert Shaw and his choruses. Once again he displays his uncanny ability to not only choose beautiful music but also perform it in a spellbinding manner. Even with the pieces the average listener has heard or performed, such as Vivaldi's Gloria or portions of Handel's Messiah, one cannot help but become enthralled with the recordings of Shaw's interpretations of those works. Although Shaw never followed through on his early-life ambition to be a minister, I still believe he does so and perhaps to a greater extent through his music ministry. One cannot help but feel closer to understanding what heaven is about after having finished listening to this CD. This is well worth buying for it will live up to the english interpretation of its Latin title: Glorious.

Average customer rating:

Fantastic
So rich, so beautiful
A glorious song
I paid for this?
Champions of the new and adventuresome.

Sound in Spirit
Chanticleer
Manufacturer: Warner Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Our American Journey

ASIN: B000AC5RVK
Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

Incantation from NightChants - Jan Gilbert
Axion estin - Nectarie Vlahul
Sound in Spirit - Joseph Jennings
Motet for 12 Singers - Carlos Rafael Rivera
Beata viscera - Plainsong, arr. Jennings
O sacrum convivium - Tomas Luis de Victoria
Como pod'a grioriosa - Alfonso X de Castille
Night Spirit Song - Joseph Jennings
NIghtChant from NightChants - Jan Gilbert
In Winter's Keeping - Jackson Hill
Gloria in Excelsis Deo from Tre canti sacri - Giacinto Scelsi
Past Life Melodies - Sarah Hopkins
Cor meum est templum sacrum - Patricia Van Ness
Glance to You from Nightchants - Jan Gilbert

Album Description

Sound in Spirit represents another leap forward in power and purpose for Chanticleer. On this recording they explore the profound connection between sound and healing. The repertoire weaves together compositions ancient and contemporary, East and West, so the listeners hear familiar and unfamiliar sounds in equal proportions. The texts and sounds are inspired by many different cultures along with religious and musical traditions from Tibet, India, Japan, Africa, indigenous America and Byzantine Greece.

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic.......2007-03-09

As a college trombonist, with decidedly 20th century leanings in my own personal tastes, I found this recording absolutely spellbinding. Weird? Yes! Outside the box? You bet. Awesome harmonic overtone singing? Yes! One of my duties as a musician is to "improv" on jazz solos - they do some of that on this recording as well. This disc has it all. I love ancient sacred music as well (Chanticleers Magnificat disc is excellent as well), but sometimes one tires of the (even though it is beautiful)monotony - the complete tonality and predictability of the works. Sometimes I want some interesting ideas to pop up unexpectedly, something that makes you go "Wow, how did they do that!" Sometimes I want some atonality, some asymmetrical rythmns in my choral singing. It gives the moments of tonality and common time their "glow" for lack of a better word. This disc delivers on all fronts, and is, of course, impeccably sung. In my opinion, Sound in Spirit has a good mix of traditional and non traditional music although it's not something you would put on as back ground music at a dinner or going to sleep. The music forces you to put down what you are doing, and devote your full attention. I definately recommend it.

So rich, so beautiful.......2006-07-08

I really can't understand why this Chanticleer recording in particular should garner such a comparatively large amount of negative reactions. I suppose some people simply have an insurmountable aversion to non-western and/or non-traditional musical ideas. Still, other Chanticleer albums (Colors of Love and Lamentations and Praises both come to mind) have forayed as much or more than Sound in Spirit into such music, and reactions to those tended more towards the positive. If you tend to prefer genre-specific Chanticleer (e.g. gospel, Christmas, early music), then Sound in Spirit may not (I repeat, MAY not) be for you. If, however, you respond equally to a wide range of sounds and styles, or if you enjoy contemporary/adventurous compositions, I cannot recommend this album enough.

Sound in Spirit is a richly evocative and endlessly rewarding musical journey, featuring compositions from diverse artists and genres. Some tracks include ambient outdoor recordings, percussion, or a guest vocalist or two. The liner notes indicate that this, more than any prior Chanticleer recording, is meant to be listened to all in one go, as a shimmering whole that transcends its disparate indvidual elements. Such cohesiveness in a musical release is a remarkable feat by any measure, but Chanticleer truly delivers. Buy it.

A glorious song.......2006-03-08

Como pod'a groriosa, a 10 or 12 minute meditative song, track 7 of the album, is worth the entire price of the CD and more. It is a glorious piece of music that starts out with a lone voice, pleading to Mary for help for his lame daughter, then builds to an amazing crescendo as the daughter is healed and strides out into the world. You can hear the power return to the singer/singers, and it is easy to feel "healed" spiritually one's self, listening to it. I have shared this song with others and their response has been, universally, "Wow."

I paid for this?.......2006-03-08

If I didn't lose the receipt I would have taken this one back.
I was shocked that what I was listening to was really the same Chanticleer on the Rensaissance records I have. I might have enjoyed this more back when I was dropping acid and eatting mushrooms.

Champions of the new and adventuresome........2006-02-17

Chanticleer is most definitely this, and much more. I applaud them for always being willing to try something new and challenge listeners. This is one of the many things that makes them the premier ensemble that they are so well know to be. Certainly, this is not a disc for people who are looking for a non-challenging listen. But it still contains things that will delight such people, especially the magnificently sung Victoria motet. Jennings' Beata plainsong arrangement, Jackson Hill's "In Winter's Keeping", and Past Life Melodies in particular will surely delight almost anyone, especially those who are into "new age" or minimalist music.

The more you listen, the more you realize there is an astonishing amount of variety in this recording. Anyone who is a fan of Chanticleer's adventuresome excursions, incredible flexibility of vocal techniques, and flawless singing will not be disappointed.

Sacred Classics - Messiah, Ave Maria, Pie Jesu, Zadok the Priest, L'enfance du Christ

Average customer rating:

A wonderful and varied compilation of Sacred Choral Works

Sacred Classics - Messiah, Ave Maria, Pie Jesu, Zadok the Priest, L'enfance du Christ
George Frideric Handel , Johann Sebastian Bach , Gabriel Fauré , Antonio Vivaldi , Charles Gounod , Johannes Brahms , Edward Elgar , Gioachino Rossini , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Franz Schubert , Giuseppe Verdi , César Franck , Hector Berlioz , Franz Joseph Haydn , Felix Mendelssohn , Gregorio Allegri , Conservatory Concert Society Orchestra , New Philharmonia Orchestra , Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields , London Philharmonia Orchestra , Halle Orchestra , Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Orchestra , Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra , Berlin Symphony Orchestra , Sir Charles Mackerras , Andre Cluytens , Riccardo Muti , David Willcocks , Philip Ledger , and Otto Klemperer
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000000UWF
Release Date: 2003-08-05

Tracks:

Hallelujah - Ambrosian Singers
I Know That My Redeemer Liveth - Ambrosian Singers
Pie Jesu - Victoria De Los Angeles
In Excelsis Deo - Teresa Berganza
Jesu Bleibet Meine Freude - Choir Of King's College Cambridge
Ave Maria - Philip Ledger
Zadok The Priest - Coronation Anthem - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Wie Lieblich Sing Deine Wohnungen - Phiharmonia Chorus
Sanctus Fortis - Richard Lewis
Agnus Dei - Dame Janet Baker
Cujus Animam Gementem - Robert Gambill
Lacrimosa - New Philharmonia Orchestra
Ave Maria - Gerald Moore
Ingemisco - Confutatis - Dies Irae - New Philharmonia Chorus

Tracks:

Panis Angelicus - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
Herrscher Des Himmels, Erhore Das Lallen - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Ouverture - L'Adieu Des Bergers - Choeurs Rene Duclos
Libera Me Domine - Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau
Ave Verum Corpus, K618 - Swedish Radio Chorus
Die HImmel Erzahlen Die Ehre Gottes - Jose Van Dam
Komm, Holder Lenz! - Chor Der Deutschen Oper Berlin
Lord God Of Abraham - New Philharmonia Chorus
And Then Shall Your Light Break Forth - New Philharmonia Chorus
Miserere Mei, Deus - Stephen Cleobury
Erbarme Dich, Sein Gott - Julia Hamari
O Haupt Voll Blut Und Wundern - Julia Hamari
Ich Folge Dir Gleichfalls - Lisa Otto
Ach Herr, Lass Dein Lieb' Engelein - Lisa Otto

Customer Reviews:

A wonderful and varied compilation of Sacred Choral Works.......2001-08-13

This is a 2 CD set and is one of my favorites. While this CD contains several pieces that the general public probably hears often (Handel's Messiah, Bach's Jesu Bleibet mein freund) it also contains some not well known pieces. Of particular quality is the recording of Gregorio Allegri's MISERE MEI DEUS, a piece composed at the end of the Renaissance era. This piece, lasting roughly 13 minutes, is a master stroke of pure choral music. The piece is repetitive but Allegri builds up to a fantastic ending. Also of note is the glorious recording of Mozart's AVE VERUM CORPUS, Hadyn's DIE SCHOPFUNG, and Brahm's EIN DEUTCHES REQUIEM. A MUST for any choral music fan.

Average customer rating:

Good music
Transporting Music
They ARE heavenly songs from angels!
A step closer to God
Hauntingly Beautiful

Words of the Angel
Trio Mediaeval , Ivan Moody , Anonymous , and Gregorian Chant
Manufacturer: Ecm Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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1000: A Mass for the End of Time / Anonymous 4
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ASIN: B00005I451
Release Date: 2002-01-29

Tracks:

Alma Mater/Ante Thorum
Ave Donna Santissima
Salve MAter Misericordie
Kyrie
Gloria
Lauda Novella
Benedicta Es Celorum
Mater Christi Nobilis
De Spineto Nata Rosa
Salve Virgo Virginum
Credo
Stella Maris
Venite A Laudare
In Excelsis Gloria
Sanctus
O Ceteris Preambulis
Agnus Dei
Oi Me Lasso
Words Of The Angel
Ite Missa Est

Amazon.com

The 14th century "Tournai" Mass, consisting of a Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Agnus Dei, and Ite missa est, is the first known complete polyphonic mass to come down to us. Its sections were probably written by different composers, and it's a stunning, fascinating look into early polyphony. This performance is combined with other pieces from the same period, as well as a five-minute piece by contemporary composer Ivan Moody, which--though clearly from six centuries later--blends to make this a gorgeous whole. If you like Anonymous 4, you're in for a real treat here. The three Scandinavian women who make up Trio Mediaeval have astonishingly beautiful voices, with individual timbres that nonetheless mingle seamlessly, whether in simple, chantlike moments or in the high-flying Moody piece. And they sing with feeling, depth, and, well, soul. This is a magnificent disc, not to be missed. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Good music.......2006-02-07

I'm a big fan of religious choral classical music, and this album was not nearly as good as I was expecting it to be. It is good music, and the performers do a fine job, but it is not as awe inspiring as most of the music I listen to.

The music has very little variance of dynamics. Many people like music where one setting of the volume control works throughout the entire piece, but I prefer music that has quieter parts and louder parts. Music is more expressive when it changes dynamics, or especially when the composer tastefully uses silence. These composers did not use any silence at all in their pieces. That, combined with the performers swinging their notes made the pieces feel too hurried. The embellishments were also annoying, because some of the notes just felt unimportant, almost like they were only put in to avoid the singer singing one note for too long. But the embellishments made the piece feel too busy, and not contemplative enough. The only modern piece on the CD (the 19th track, composed by Moody) fits in well with the CD, and is definitely in the old style.

The music does sound distinctively western European, and not similar to the orthodox Christian tradition. As much as I've criticized some aspects of the music in the above paragraph, I do like the music. It does a good job of helping one attain the peaceful spiritual mood it attempts to instill.

However, I give it only a 3 because there are many other pieces which do a better job at giving the listener a peaceful, sometimes mournful, contemplative content mood. I can't go around giving a 5 to every CD I like - it would be unfair to my truly favorite CDs. Some choral pieces that I prefer include Rachmaninov's Vespers & Liturgy to St John, Silvestrov's 4th movement of his Requiem to Larissa, both Szymanowski & Dvorak's Stabat Maters, Henryk Gorecki's 3rd Symphony, Avet Terterian's 6th Symphony, most of Arvo Part's later music (after his switch to tintinnabuli), and a few other modern works from that part of the world.

I do realize that not everyone has the same tastes as me, so there will be those who love this music more than they would love the pieces that inspire me the most. However, reviews are a place to not just hear from those who are the biggest fans of a type of music, but to hear from those who are buying the music even though it is not completely their style of music.

ECM did a fine job on its side. The sound quality is great, and the liner notes were fabulous. There was even more music on this CD than one often finds on ECM releases (they often put well under an hour of music on one CD).

I do recommend this CD, as it is quite accessible to those who do not regularly listen to classical music. It is beautiful music, yet it is still music that most people can appreciate.

Transporting Music.......2005-09-29

Trio Mediaeval is the name chosen by three Scandinavian singers who specialize in the early music of the church. Gregorian chant or Plainsong is one of the oldest forms of Western religious music and though much of the original chanting was one-part intoning by the monks, the composers of the time gradually created polyphony and the results are well sampled on this beautifully recorded CD.

Not only does this a cappela trio of women's voices demonstrate a clarity of tone and pitch and timbre, they move through these at times complex harmonies with utter ease. In addition to excerpts from the Anonymous Tournai Mass, the Trio weaves the mysteries of English and Italian chant and even includes a truly beautiful contemporary setting of the chant form by Ivan Moody entitled 'Words of the Angel'.

This is one of those recordings that soothes the mind and soul and confirms the importance of medieval music on the development of music through the ages. A new recording by this group entitled "Stella Maris" is promised soon and having heard that recording it is even better! The Trio Mediaeval is a fine performing arts group that should have a long life. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, September 05

They ARE heavenly songs from angels!.......2005-06-29

The title of this CD does a wonderful job to tell what's included. It's the best music I've ever heard. I believe that if there do exist angels in Heaven, their songs could not be better than the ones on this CD!

A step closer to God.......2004-10-31

If you are not inspired by these contemplative arrangements, you might want to check your pulse. Very insprired, indeed.

Hauntingly Beautiful.......2003-05-18

I bought this CD on an impulse, not knowing what to expect. The three a capella female vocalists harmonize in the most eerily beautiful way -- this CD is as close to transcendental music as I've ever heard. Everyone I've shared it with has had the same reaction -- the music is riviting and relaxing at the same time. A must for Gregorian chant lovers and anyone else who appreciates the majesty of the human voice.

Music from the coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Average customer rating:

By Appointment of Her Majesty
Music from the Queens Coronation
Magnificent!!
One of the Greatest Ceremonies the World's Seen
Grand and Glorious

Music from the coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Samuel Sebastian Wesley , Ralph Vaughan Williams , Charles Villiers Stanford , William Walton , Martin Neary , Martin Baker , Andrew Crowley , Roger Cleverdon , Andrew Giles , Leigh Nixon , London Brass , Mark Bennett , Thomas Sneddon , Christopher Tipping , and Lawrence Wallington
Manufacturer: Griffin (Qualiton)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Te Deum | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Rule Britannia and Other Music from Last Night of the Proms
Rule Britannia
Royal Salute
Royal Golden Jubilee: Music of 50 Royal Years
Praise to the Lord - Hymns From St. Paul's Cathedral

ASIN: B00004U0S8
Release Date: 2000-06-28

Customer Reviews:

By Appointment of Her Majesty.......2007-05-12

I heartily recommend the purchase of this exalted collection of music from the Elizabethan coronation ceremonies of 1953. The music represents an outstanding selection of the music of English christendom at the mid-20th Century. The performance quality of a variety of ensembles are commensurate with the quality of the selections themselves.

Music from the Queens Coronation.......2005-08-21

If one word was allowed it would be MAGNIFICANT.
I have listened to the whole disc several times now and am still thrilled by the music

Magnificent!!.......2002-04-01

I purchased this CD at the Tower of London gift shop while on a trip to England a few years ago. This album is superb, with beautiful digital re-recordings of the music from Queen Elizabeth II's coronation. I have listened to it countless times. This wonderful music reminds me of the great heritage we in America share with Great Britain. Breathtaking, inspiring and uplifting, this album will not disappoint.

One of the Greatest Ceremonies the World's Seen.......2002-01-14

The Coronation of HM Elizabeth II in June 1953 was one of the most spectacular public events the world has seen before or since. At the Queen's request, the Coronation was televised live on the BBC, the first coronation to receive such treatment. This is not a recording of the actual Coronation Service itself, but rather a recording, made in Westminster Abbey, of the actual music (with much of the same arrangements) that was used at the Coronation.

You will not be disappointed with this album!

Grand and Glorious.......2001-08-15

This CD contains some of the most beautiful music ever written. The music performed at Queen Elizabeth's 1953 coronation was recorded in 1993 and released on CD. If you like high church music and you have an appreciation for what was probably one of the most spectacular public pageants of the 20th Century, you will love this CD.

Average customer rating:

excellent entertainment
The Christmas I Love
A Christmas Collection That Is Just Plain Fun
Wonderful; marvellous
ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL

The Christmas I Love
Andre Rieu , and Johann Strauss Orchestra
Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Pop Instrumental & Easy Listening | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

Pop Instrumental & Easy Listening | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Similar Items:

Tuscany
At The Movies
The Homecoming
The Vienna I Love, Waltzes From My Heart
Romantic Moments

ASIN: B0000041OB
Release Date: 1997-10-21

Tracks:

O Daughter Of Zion
White Christmas
Sleigh Ride
From Heaven High I Come To You: Tomorrow's The Day Children/Gloria In Excelsis Deo...
Ave Maria
Transeamus
Softly Falls The Snow: Ring Out Little Bell/O Come Al Ye Faithful
Evening Prayer (From Hansel & Gretel)
Jingle Bells
Lullaby: O Sweet Child Jesus/Let Us Be Happy And Jolly
Mille Cherubini In Coro (Lullaby)
Christmas Rose
The Four Seasons: Winter: Largo
O Christmas Tree: The Little Drummer Boy/Lullaby
Every Year A New: Oh, How Joyfully/Never Have The Bells Sung More Sweetly
Dearest Believe Me
Come Little Children
The Christmas Concert: Pastorale
The Holy City
Silent Night

Customer Reviews:

excellent entertainment.......2007-01-20

I thoroughly enjoyed this Christmas DVD . I want to buy more of Andre Rieu.

The Christmas I Love.......2007-01-10

I was very pleased with the CD and would recommend it to everyone.

All of Andre Rieu's music is very enjoyable to listen to.

A Christmas Collection That Is Just Plain Fun.......2005-11-19

Sometimes I think the only person who is happy that Public television is financially challenged, other that certain legislators who believe that it is too liberal and the culmination of all that is evil, is Andre Rieu. Now don't get me wrong, this happy Dutch musician who models himself after Johan Straus is not a cruel or vindictive person. At least from what I can tell he's not, but let's face it. If PBS did not have financial woes, Andre Rieu, one of its favorite stars, would not have received the exposure he has, and his sales in the United States would probably be next to nothing. Of course for anyone who has ever seen one of his extravaganzas, we would be missing something enjoyable. He's musically sound and he knows how to entertain, and quiet frankly, though some classical purists may cringe at his name, I don't believe the composers whose music he uses are rolling in their graves because it's become popular once again.

Of all his concerts and CDs, I enjoy THE CHRISTMAS I LOVE the most. The jitterbug version of "Jingle Bells" shows that an old tune can produce new tricks. His arrangement of "The Holy City" (a.k.a. "Jerusalem") is almost as moving as when it is performed with a vocalist. The recording has a number of medleys that include favorites from all over Europe show how Christmas has such an international flair. For me, however, this album provides true variety. Many of the carols are not familiar to Americans, so we hear something different yet also authentic to the holiday season.

I'm surprised that there have not been other Rieu Christmas discs. He's an original musician and a consummate showman, so I'm sure there's more he could do with holiday music, but maybe he knows he has a classic with this collection and it will stand the test of time.

Wonderful; marvellous.......2000-09-30

Andre Rieu proves again he is the best of the best! I bought this CD in october 1997, a few weeks before Andre's concert In Quebec city. In this CD, you'll find all the classics of Christmas. They are well played because Andre and his orchestra know how to bring us the atmosphere of Christmas. The desing of the CD is well done. If you,re looking for good music, please try this CD You'll enjoy it. If you have the occasion to see his Christmas concert on TV, watch it. It's very beautiful.

This his not the first CD made by Andre. In 1992, he released "Spielt Die Schonten Weihnachtslieder".

ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL.......1999-08-18

Another wonderful Andre Rieu CD. All the Rieu recordings and videos are a breath of fresh air - a joy to the soul.

The Best Choral Album in the World...Ever!

Average customer rating:

I love it and I give it as a gift
MarMSED
Diverse range but the songs are butchered...

The Best Choral Album in the World...Ever!

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Chants | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Te Deum | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The #1 Choral Album
Choral Masterpieces
Gloria: Music of Praise & Inspiration
The Only Choral CD You'll Ever Need
The Power & The Majesty: Essential Choral Classics

ASIN: B00002ZZH6
Release Date: 2005-06-07

Tracks:

Gloria In Excelsis Deo - Academy And Chorus Of St Martin In The Fields
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Zadok The Priest - Ambrosian Singers
Miserere Mei, Deus - Gerald Finley
Veni Creator Spiritus - Choir Of The Monks Of The Benedictine Monastery Of Santo Domingo De Silos
Lacrimosa - London Philharmonic Choir
For Unto Us A Child Is Born - Ambrosian Singers
The Heavens Are Telling - John Shirley-Quirk
Panis Angelicus - Halle Choir
Ave Maria - Groupe Vocal De France
Ode To Joy - The Westminster Choir
Va, Pensiero - Chorus Of the Royal Opera House
Chorus Of Slave Girls - Chorus Of The National Theatre Of Sophia
Coro De Romanticos - Coro Cantores De Madrid
In Paradisum - Choir Of Kings College, Cambridge
Totus Tuus - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Song For Athene - Winchester Cathedral Choir
Celebration - London Symphony Chorus
Jerusalem - Royal Choral Society

Tracks:

Zion Hort Die Wachter - South German Madrigal Choir
Pleni Sunt Coeli Et Terra - Charles Brett
Hallelujah Chorus - Ambrosian Singers
Thou Knowest, Lord - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Veni Sancte Spiritus - Choir Of The Monks Of The Benedictine Monastery Of Santo Domingo De Silos
Awake The Harp - City Of Birmingham Symphony Chorus
And Then Shall Your Light Break Forth - New Philharmonia Chorus
L'Adieu Des Bergers - Choeurs Rene Duclos
Agnus Dei - Peter Barley
Cantique De Jean Racine - MONKS AND CHOIRBOYS OF DOWNSIDE ABBEY
Ave Verum Corpus - Schutz Consort
Begluckt Darf Nun Dich, O Heimat - Bavarian State Opera Chorus, Munich
Vedi! Le Fosche Notturne Spoglie - Chorus Of the Royal Opera House
Laudamus Te - Radio France Chorus
Chichester Psalms - Rachel Masters
The Lamb - Vasari Singers
Agnus Dei - Winchester Cathedral Choir
Requiem Aeternam - Choir Of Kings College, Cambridge
Dies Irae - Philharmonia Chorus
O Fortuna - London Philharmonic Choir
Pomp And Circumstance March No. 1 (Land Of Hope Glory) - Royal Choral Society

Customer Reviews:

I love it and I give it as a gift.......2006-12-11

This is the first collection of choral music that I've purchased and I love it. I own copies of operas and requiems and masses, but if you attend choral concerts, as I have been recently, you learn there is a huge colletion of choral music appart from the forms I've been listening to. I appreciate the producers selecting "Song for Athene" by Tavener and "Celebration (Standing Stone)" by McCartney. They are new to me and I love them. Disk 1 ends with "Jerusalem" and Disk 2 ends with "Land of Hope and Glory." As an American I rarely hear these and I am so glad they were included. I believe this album was intended to help popularize choral music and I believe the selections do fine job towards that end.

I know snobs rage against popularizing classical music, but everyone deserves exposure to the beauty of song. I will also mention here "The East Village Opera Company" because they work to popularize opera by setting it to a rock beat. They do a fine job but also get criticized for attempting to popularize classical music.

"The Best Choral Album in the World...Ever" was so popular with my teen-age daughter that it was hard to get it back from her. I give the album as a gift to nephews and nieces.

MarMSED.......2005-08-27

The music selections are extraordinary. The only problem has to do with the balance of sound. There are some parts that are very loud, and some that are so very soft. You have to continually adjust the volume.

Diverse range but the songs are butchered..........2005-07-24

Well, this CD isn't horrible by any stretch, but it is irritating to someone who's more than a casual listener of choral music. I'm by no means as musically "literate" as many reviewers out there, but I have a collection of probably twenty-five or thirty choral CD's and this is one that will probably be gathering dust in the back of the CD book.

The peices are well-performed for the most part, but they are hopelessly edited. Beethoven's Ode to Joy is somewhere around twenty four minutes, but this CD only includes an arrangement of about five minutes. The beautiful Miserere is, uncut, almost eleven minutes but is cut down to five and a half minutes here.

Looking back, I should have realized the major editing that would be involved, just by the sheer number of peices on it. I'm familiar with a great many of them and I know they're too long to fit onto a seventy minute disc without some major cutting going on. I just didn't reason that out before I shelled out the money for it.

Bottom line. This CD has decent singing, but is nothing special. If you're a newcomer to this genre, you might get this as a quick overview of the different types of choral music out there, but if you're any kind of an avid listener, this CD will drive you insane with the severity of the cuts. Beginners, if you're looking for a great collection CD, you'd do better to look at "Choral Moods". It doesn't have the diversity in styles of this one, but it will introduce you to incredibly talented composers. To the old hats out there, steer clear of this one and look to CD's by your preferred individual composers themselves. It's more money, but much less frustration in the long run. The old sayings are sometimes the best: You get what you pay for.