«Wonderfully soothing»
I listen to this in my car between stops and I love how the songs soothe my spirit, especially when hectic schedules stress me out!
[Sunday, November 16, 2008]
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«Ravishing chant»
I agree with reviewer J. Anderson that this is a "consummately attractive collection" of Gregorian chant. However, that the "divine interior pulse of Gregorian chant seems often lost by overconsideration" seems to me a gratuitous and purely subjective judgment. To these ears, the monks of Heiligenkreuz probably include vocal training in their preparation of the chant, not a quality one primarily associates with the singing of Solesmes (think of the "Solesmes scoop"). Historically, a great part of the Gregorian repertoire was written for scholae cantorae, singers whose training and experience was above and beyond the capabilities of the "average" monk or chanting celebrant. Singing even some of the simpler yet still magnificent Introits such as the "Requiem" on this disc required and still requires significant vocal culture. Again, to these ears, it seems that these monks sing with that consummate "elan vital" so prized by Dom Mocquereau, one of the great leaders of Solesmes chant. I am also put off by Anderson's characterization of their use of standard Germanic pronunciation of the Latin -- not a "mixed classical pronunciation" as the reviewer states -- as a "transgression" of Italian pronunciation. "Trangression" implies spiritual deviation -- a "sin" in other words. At the least, it is a strange term to use to describe a common practice, both historically and at present, to use the Latin pronunciation of one's native linguistic tradition, thus an English, or German, or Spanish or even a French pronunciation of the Latin in addition to the Italian which has been more prevalent in America. Nothing "transgressive" about German monks singing with German Latin pronunciation! At any rate, I am pleased that Anderson recommends this recording as mostly praiseworthy -- but in my estimation, 5 stars.
[Wednesday, October 22, 2008]
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«supreme spirituality»
This is one of the most beautiful sacred music ever, you reach peace, sublimity in a humble heart.
Please visit Heiligenkreuz when in Vienna, a delightful short trip (try to find out when the Cistercian monks sing in the church) you'll never forget the experience.
Walter M. Reimann
Toronto,Canada
[Wednesday, October 01, 2008]
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