This set contains the two CDs that, it must be acknowledged, just about started the Chant craze in 1994. The music was actually recorded in the 1970s and 1980s (this new set has been remastered and sounds better than the 1994-95 releases did) and was on sale in Spain and offered at the Monastery of Santo Domingo de Silos for some time before it became "hot." Since then, hundreds of CDs of chant and similar music have appeared, many more polished then these, but perhaps these were so special because they weren't performances: they caught actual Monks in the act of praying, and the meditative quality is undeniably real. Whatever the case, this is music for reflection, calming down, re-fueling and getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life--which may be even more needed now than they were 10 years ago. Texts are not supplied and you won't need them; it's all about reverence and mood. Doing nothing but listening to this in 25-minute chunks will allow your breathing to slow and re-energize you. Each 55-minute CD will probably put you to sleep--and this isn't meant as a criticism. --Robert Levine
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
Enjoying Gregorian Chant:
I founld listening to "Chant, the Anniversary Edition" most fulfiling and uplifting. I use it often for background music while praying The Liturgy of the Hours. It is also wonderful to use while during quiet prayerful times
Two Sublime Discs for the Price of One:
It must be said first and foremost that the sound of these two C.D.'s is outstanding. Compared to other chant recordings, this one is distinctive for its clear resonance. No wonder it started a whole trend over a decade ago when The Benedictine Monks of Santo Dominigo de Silos entered the top ten of music recordings. For those who have the patience, the vascillating sounds of monks singing their praises to the Lord can have a sublime effect. If you give these recordings a chance, they can transform one... more info
Watch out...:
For what it is, this CD set is decent. If you're reading this, you probably already know that this is not a set aimed at the serious medieval music fan. The liner notes printed on the folded insert contain little historical background (rather, they attempt to explain why the Chant I and II CDs were so popular when released in the mid-1990s). Also, texts for the chants are missing--a serious oversight on EMI's part. It would have cost them pennies more per set to include full texts and translations. My other... more info
Superb relaxation:
This is a wonderful compilation. I greatly enjoy listening to it when I'm working on painting or another activity where lower blood pressure is a must. Having two albums in one makes the deal even sweeter. If you alreaddy own Chant I and II, then there's no real value added, but with mine lost in a move, it was a great return of music I enjoy.
Tracks:
Alleluia Beatus Vir Qui Suffert (Modo I)
Mandatum Novum Do Vobis: Antífonia y Salmo 132 (Modo III)
Media Vita in Morte Sumus: Responsorio (Modo IV)
Laetatus Sum Gradual (Modo VII)
Veni Creator Spiritus: Himno (Modo VIII)
Genuit Puerpera Regem: Antífona y Salmo 99 (Modo II)
Kyrie Fons Bonitatis: Tropo (Modo III)
Nos Autem Introito (Modo I)
Super Flumina: Ofertio (Modo I)
Qui Manducat: Comunión (Modo I)
Salve Regina (Solemne)
Salve, Festa Dies: Himno (Modo IV)
Rorate Caeli de Super: Introito (Modo I)
Jacta Cogitatum Tuum: Gradual (Modo VII)
Jucundare: Artífona y Salmo (Modo VIII)
Veni Sancte Spiritus: Secuencia (Modo I)
Similar Products:
Chant II by Gregorian Chant, Ismael Fernandez de la Cuesta, Benedictine Monks of Santo Domingo de Silos (Audio CD)
Chant by Gregorian Chant, The Benedictine Monks of Santo Domingo de Silos (Audio CD)
