Signum

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
the document signum will show you the past & present face of p·a·l´s variety of electronic experiments: from minimalistic dreamscapes up to powerloaded rhythms - from ambient structures to chaotic sample-experiments.

Tracks:

Processional Hymn: Judicii Signum
Troped Introit: Quem Creditis Super Astra/Viri Galilei
Kyrie: Celestis Terrestrisque
Gloria: Prudentia Prudentium
Alleluia I: Dominus In Sina
Alleluia II: Ascendens Cristus
Sequence With Prose: Salvator Mundi/Rex Omnipotens Die Hodierna
Troped Offertory: Elevatus Est Rex Fortis/Viri Galilei
Sanctus: Ante Secula
Agnus Dei: Omnipotens Eterne
Troped Communion: Corpus Quod Nunc/Psallite Domino
Lection: Apocalypse 21:1-5
Prose: Regnantem Sempiterna
Hymn: Cives Celestis Patrie

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:

Want to hear something spectacular?.......2007-05-23

For most folks, Gregorian Chants are probably a little off the beaten track. This is a stellar recording that's hard to beat, and the best of my Gregorian Chant collection. You won't be disappointed.

Lovely.......2006-03-03

A lovely performance of music from the beginning of the western musical tradition. The vocal quality of the performance is first rate and the music itself is very interesting. Recommended strongly.

Perfectly lovely - wrong, but still perfectly lovely........2004-06-28

For those of you who - like me - have had a couple experiences with Gregorian Chant that moved you deeply - and now you need some Gregorian Chant for those moods when nothing else is right - this is it. "A Mass For The End Of Time" is beautiful, and rich, and the selections intense and moving. This is exactly what most people reading this are looking for. Furthermore the performers seem to have captured the spirit of the music - which is critical because this is spiritual music. So why do I give it 4 stars?

Gregorian Chant is not music that can be removed from its place and time well. It is site specific - it should be heard live in a cathedral whose walls are stone or at least in a place that reflects sound - setting up resonance inside the head. Gregorian Chant is a form of meditation that is distinctly medieval European. The group that performs "A Mass For The End Of Time" is 4 women called Anonymous. But Gregorian Chant was written for men - it has different feel when men do it. Anonymous is very good - but the music would work even better with 4 equally good male voices.

Year 1000--A Mass for the End of Time.......2004-01-04

The year AD 1000 appeared to be an apocalyptic harbringer of destruction to the devout Catholics of Western Europe. This collection of medieval chants based on themes of God's impending wrath and the judgement of the world are excellent primary sources for understanding the mystical religious mindset of the days of yore. Gregorian Chant, while different from Byzantine (Greek) and Russian chanting, is a very methodological and otherworldly form of music. It's monotone is radically opposed to the harsh discord of "rock n' roll" and "rap" music which sound like broken machinery that are so popular among all aspects of society, even the so-called "Christian rock." Although the music itself is sung in Latin, the disc is accompanied by a booklet which gives the lyrics in English translation (along with a few other languages).

A Peace Beyond All Understanding.......2002-04-30

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.

Average customer rating:

Romantic Medieval Dancing / Festive Music
Medieval

Signum

Manufacturer: Dancing Ferret
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Best Of Corvus Corax
Irfan
Illuminate
Renaissance
IV: Ozymandias

ASIN: B0009IOS24
Release Date: 2007-07-16

Tracks:

Al jorn - alonso
A voi gente
Trotto
Audite
Alle psallite
Razon
Owe war sint verswunden
Sine nomine
Al jorn - carceres
Non e gran cousa
Cry de la mort
Quen na virgen
Estampie VIII
Non devemos
Bona condit
Al jorn - triana

Album Description

Authentic medieval languages, songs and over fifteen instruments take the listener on an hour-long journey back through time. Lush, beautiful female vocals, sometimes in contrast with choral arrangements, deliver a harmonious and warm feel throughout the album. This captivating yet comforting sound belies the often dark subject matter of the lyrics (all in Latin save one piece in medieval German), which focus primarily on medieval man's concept of the apocalypse.

Customer Reviews:

Romantic Medieval Dancing / Festive Music.......2006-08-26

About the Band:
Estampie is a German medieval band named after a style of dance from the Middle Ages which involved lots of hopping and stomping of the feet. For those of you not familiar with this style of music, simply think of music you might associate with a castle (think Lord of the Rings). True to the name, Estampie provides joyful and energetic music that you'll want to skip to. Featuring an ensemble of talented musicians, with key members including Syrah (Sigrid Hausen) and Michael Popp of Qntal and Ernst Schwindl, Estampie can be characterized by their exclusive use of an extensive array of traditional instruments (no electronics) including harps, various pipes and flutes, an array of drums, and numerous stringed instruments.

About the Album:
Long before I bought Signum, I've heard Estampie on many middle ages (or mittlealters in German) compilations. The album is nearly a full hour in length and an absolute joy to listen to. Most of the tracks feature multiple vocalists, which though typical of heavenly voices and neo-medieval music, is always a treat. Various percussion instruments are used to establish a welcoming beat, while the pipes and/or stringed instruments used build out a romantic melody.

Recommended Tracks:
- A Voi Gente
- Alle Psallite
- Razon
- Al Jorn - Carceres
- Cry del la Mort

If you enjoy bagpipes, then you'll love Sine Nomine. Sometimes I've been able to talk DJs into playing Estampie at goth / industrial clubs, but I must point out that the band is appropriately named, as tracks like Sine Nomine are so fast that you will be tempted to dance estampie style (skip and hop). However, in contrast to the fast paced tracks, the Signum also features slower and calm choral tracks such as Al Jorn - Carceres (which tend to be my favorites).

Finally I must point out that Signum features both male and female vocals, often sung together. It is a rare treat to pull so many talented vocalists and musicians together in one period band.

Similar Artists:
- Corvus Corax
- Irfan
- Qntal
- Love Is Colder Than Death
- Moon Far Away
- Das Zeichen

Medieval.......2005-05-31

Estampie, the musical collaboration of singer Sigrid Hausen (Syrah) and mastermind Michael Popp (Qntal), is deemed to be the leading medieval music act. Their haunting interpretations of old music found fans in many countries, amongst aficionados of Classical music as well as within the world music and independent music scenes. Estampie always spearheaded the popular medieval scene and are referred to as a source of inspiration by a lot of bands playing medieval music. Their eighth album titled "Signum" offers again music from the 12th to the 15th Centuries rife with insistent mysticism and stirring drive with technical perfection. The ambitious arrangements are a result of a long lasting dealing with this kind of music and are crowned with choirs and particularly with Syrah`s transcendental voice. A one-of-a-kind listening pleasure!

Average customer rating:

Elana kats chernins ragtime and blues
post modern ragtime meets palm court

Ragtime & Blue

Manufacturer: Signum UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Gardens of Anna Maria Luisa de Medici
Diamond Music
Ballets Russes

ASIN: B0009A414M
Release Date: 2005-07-26

Tracks:

Alexander Rag
Green Leaf Prelude
Russian Rag
Get Well Rag
Blue Rose
Eliza's Aria
Backstate Rag
Birthday Rag
Brothers
Peggy's Minute Rag
Reflections
Cocktail Rag
Butterflying
Sunday Rag
Nostalgic Piece
Bucharian Melody
Revolving Doors
Suburban Rag
Sapphire Rag
Tranquil Interlude
Mute Princess
Slicked Back Tango
Removalist Rag
Melancholic Piece

Customer Reviews:

Elana kats chernins ragtime and blues.......2007-03-12

This album is very good its so nice and peacfull and beutifull, put it this way 'iam normally a heavy metal fan but this album is amazing' i can easily fall asleep listening to this, buy and enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

post modern ragtime meets palm court.......2006-04-11

A terrific suite of small pieces suffused with melancholy underneath even the most upbeat melodies. This is a composer with whom I was unfamiliar until seeing a San Francisco Ballet piece choreographed to music from this CD. The program notes to BLUE ROSE which was a World Premiere in the 2006 season say in part:

"On the heels of his decision to create one new work for the 2006 Repertory Season, Artistic Director Helgi Tomasson launched into a second premiere for the Company, Blue Rose. After hearing composer Elena Kats-Chernin's CD Ragtime and Blue, Tomasson couldn't resist. "It's fun-it has a kind of joy to it," he says, and you don't doubt him for a minute-just talking about the music brings a smile to his face." Yu may be able to read more at the SF ballet website www.sfballet.org

Unfortunately the CD seems to be available only via a UK label but it's worth waiting for - I've had it spinning every evening in the two weeks since it arrived.

Average customer rating:

Landscape & Time
The King's Singers
Manufacturer: Signum UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

A Cappella | Folk | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Pilgrimage to Santiago
The King's Singers Original Debut Recording
Circle of Life
Thomas Tallis: Spem in Alium [Hybrid SACD]
Gesualdo: Tenebrae Responsories for Maundy Thursday

ASIN: B000JGW97W
Release Date: 2006-11-28

Women in Chant: Recordare: Remembering the Mysteries in the Life of Jesus, Son of Mary

Average customer rating:

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR STUDY OF LIVING GREGORIAN CHANT
Excellent recording of Gregorian Chants

Women in Chant: Recordare: Remembering the Mysteries in the Life of Jesus, Son of Mary
The Choir of Benedictine Nuns at the Abbey of Regina Laudis
Manufacturer: Sounds True Direct
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

New Age | Imports | Stores | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Women in Chant: Gregorian Chants for the Festal Celebrations of the Virgin Martyrs and Our Lady of Sorrows
Lost in Meditation: Meditative Gregorian Chants
The Soul Of Chant
Mother Benedict: Foundress of the Abbey of Regina Laudis
Catholic Latin Classics

ASIN: B000059SW1
Release Date: 2001-03-13

Tracks:

Recordare
Alma Redemptoris Mater
Meditation: Recordare I. - Mother Dolores Hart
Ave Maria
Beatam Me Dicent/Magnificat
Hodie Christus Natus Est
Accipiens Simeon/Nunc Dimittis
Non Invenientes Jesum/Benedictus
Ave Regina Caelorum
Meditation: Recordare II. - Mother Dolores Hart
In Monte Oliveti
Lamentation
O Vos Omnes
Crux Fidelis
Tenebrae Factae Sunt
Christus Factus Est
Regina Caeli
Meditation: Recordare III. - Mother Dolores Hart
Haec Dies
Pascha Nostrum
Victimae Paschali Laudes
Viri Galilaei
Veni Sancte Spiritus
Assumpta Est Maria
Signum Magnum
Salve Regina
Collect And Final Blessing

Customer Reviews:

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR STUDY OF LIVING GREGORIAN CHANT.......2007-02-27

Although Gregorian Chant is very carefully tied to particular times and seasons, and therefore recordings of the living chant always feels odd out of season and captured and pinned on display, like fascinating irridescent butterfly wings on cotton under glass, please play this disk and live and breathe a little easier, in peace and in rhythm and in unity.

Gracefully directed by Dr. Marier, this recording wonderfully captures the greatest living Gregorian choir fully active in the United States of America, at the Abbey of Regina Laudis, which daily and nightly maintains the true cycle of Gregorian chant, completely, in the living of the Rule of Saint Benedict with all of the liturgical hours fully chanted as ever through the centuries, per saeculum saeculi. The best way, then, to experience in union this true and living and breathing chant is to spend as much time as possible on retreat at the Abbey in still rural Bethlehem, Connecticut. Lacking that ability, live with this disk, and let it play day and night until it becomes a part of your bones and you sing with it without yet quite knowing it.

I strongly recommend this disk for anyone who fully and deeply wants to know Gregorian Chant, as chanted by a contemplative community of devoted and committed women in America. Hear also their recording, also with Mr. Marier, of the Festal Celebrations of the Virgin Martyrs and Our Lady of Sorrows, which includes the founding Abbess Mother Benedict's blessing.

Please note in particular the most important Marian hymns are included on this disk, for anyone seriously interested in learning the most important Gregorian Marian tones. FOr instance you find here a solemn version of the Magnificat, the greatest hymn of Mary directly from the Gospel of Saint Luke, which is chanted every day at Vespers without exception by any monastic choir worthy of the name. We also may find here Regina coeli and the wonderful seasonal hymn, Salve Regina. Please look closely at the play list and you find nearly every traditional Marian hymn you can recall. Within this collection are scriptural meditations beautifully read by Mother Dolores Hart, an actress who was on her way to becoming the next Grace Kelly (who had then abdicated her throne to take on the throne of Monaco) but entered Regina Laudis monastery instead, filling its readings with the depths of her trained and restrained and profoundly emotional voicings. We are very fortunate she is so well recorded here, and regret she never made at the height of her powers an audiobook of the entire Holy Bible, or at least the Psalms, or Gospels . . .

In other words, what more can you possibly ask for?

Please note the photograph on this product, the Mysteries in the Life of Jesus, Son of Mary, is of the new Abbess, Mother David, who is currently directing the choir in a fresh recording of the hymns of Christmas, a new recording which may be available come Christmas of this year. In the mystery of Bethlehem, that will be well worth adding to your music library, for anyone serious about studying the true Gregorian chant as it is lived and breathed daily by this now too rare and precious choir.

Please also see the soon-to-be-released biography of Mother Benedict from Ignatious Press. Let us learn to cherish our American saints and study from them how to live in peace and loving Catholic community in this quadrant of the hemisphere.

Please see all of the Abbey's rare recordings at their website.

Excellent recording of Gregorian Chants.......2002-04-09

I bought this recording a few weeks ago and it has quickly become a favourite. While Gregorian Chant has become popular, especially with the recordings of Santo Domingo de Silos, it is easy to lose sight of the fact that Gregorian Chant is sung prayer. In hearing the nuns of the Abbey of Regina Laudis sing, you understand that this is something that they experience each day. It is a beautiful recording and is accompanied by beautiful meditations on the life of Jesus read by Mother Dolores Hart, O.S.B.

Average customer rating:

Hauntingly beautiful.
A Trip to the World of Medieval Aquitania

Aquitania

Manufacturer: BMG
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

$7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Shining Light, Music from Aquitanian Monasteries
Chant Wars
Edda - An Icelandic Saga - Myths From Medieval Iceland / Sequentia
Polyphonic Aquitaine of th 12th Century
Lost Songs of a Rhineland Harper [Hybrid SACD]

ASIN: B000001TZQ
Release Date: 1997-10-14

Tracks:

Dulci dignum melodia
Mundo salus gracie
Clara sonent organa
Noster cetus psallat letus
Virginis in gremio
Iudicii signum
Instrumental Piece
Alleluia! Iustus ut palma florebit
Quam felix cubiculum
Uterus hodie
Iubilemus, exultemus
Descendit de celis
Gaudia debita
Natus est rex
Instrumental Piece
De monte lapis scinditur
O Maria, Deu maire
Plebs domini

Customer Reviews:

Hauntingly beautiful........2005-12-19

'aquitania' is the second collection of 12th century musical pieces from Aquitanian Monasteries performed by sequentia, or the 'Ensemble for Medieval Music' comprised of a chorus of male voices, a chorus of female voices, and an instrumental ensemble.

Not being a professional musical antiquarian, the very best I can say about this recording is that it is better than the first collection, 'shining light'.

Oddly, my biggest problem with both collections is that nothing on both recordings does anything whatsoever to evoke Christmas for me. I say that because there are some buyers who may be on the lookout for some unusual Christmas music and they just may be disappointed by what the do NOT hear on these recordings. That caveat aside, this collection is very, very good in its variety of male, female, and instrumental voices.

What some tracks do evoke is an oddly Celtic sound, especially in some of the instrumental tracks. All the vocals are in Latin, meaning they were all written to be performed for and by the monks and nuns of the monasteries in the Christmas season.

There is simply nothing here sounding remotely like 'O Little Town of Bethlehem', even in Latin.

If you want a portal into the world of very old music, I can think of nothing better. It is certainly more diverse and more interesting than the otherwise excellent 'Anonymous 4' recordings of old Christmas music.

Highly recommended.

A Trip to the World of Medieval Aquitania.......2000-06-05

Aquitania was a rich part of the medieval world. It was the land of the troubadours and of the admirable liturgical chants. It was the world of the first medieval troubadour, Guilhelm IX, Duke of Aquitania and grandfather of Eleanor, the powerful queen. This CD evokes this legendary place, its myths and its art of the 12th century. All the CDs of Sequentia are marvellous. Words are not enough of describing the sensitive work of this ensemble. I have heard Dante and the Troubadours, Aquitania, with Christmas Music from Aquitanian monasteries and Shining Light. These three CDs give us a powerful view of the aquitanian spirit. I feel the vibrant culture of that part of a medieval world, when I am listening the troubadours songs and the music from aquitanian monasteries performed by Sequentia.

Average customer rating:

Deeply Endearing
A one of a kind Christmas Album
Simply Fantastic.
Not just for the holidays!
Superb cd - well selected, well performed

Medieval Christmas
Catalonian Anonymous , Franco-Provencal Anonymous , French Anonymous , Gregorian Chant , Italian Anonymous , Old Saxon Anonymous , Geoffrey Chaucer , Christmas Traditional , Dutch Traditional , English Anonymous , and Joel Cohen
Manufacturer: Nonesuch
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Holiday Music | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Classical Instrumental | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

Classical Instrumental | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

$7 - $10 | Today's Deals | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

A Renaissance Christmas / Cohen, Boston Camerata
A Baroque Christmas
English Medieval Christmas
Noel, Noel!: Noels Francais/French Christmas Music (1200-1600)
A Mediterranean Christmas

ASIN: B000005IVR
Release Date: 1991-09-13

Tracks:

Isaiah's Prophecy - The Sybil's Prophecy, Iudicii signum
Conductus, Adest sponsus
Gabriel's Prophecy, Oiet, virgines
Clausula, Domino
Hymn, Conditor alme siderum - Lauda, Verbum caro factum est
Reading, On frymae was Word - Organum, Iudea et Iherusalem
Conductus, Gedeonis area
Reading, O moder mayde
Hymn, Ave maris stella - Sacred Song, O maria, deu maire
Prosa, Ave Maria
Responsory, Gaude maria - Hymn, Joseph, liber nefe min
Conductus With Refrain, Congaudet hodie, In dulci iubilo - Hymn, In dulci iubilo
Reading, Hand by hand we shule us take
Conductus, Lux hodie... Orientis partibus

Customer Reviews:

Deeply Endearing.......2004-12-14

I was 7 years old and excited as all get out for Christmas when my stepfather brought this album into our family, and it immediately became a classic. This is by far my favorite music to listen to during christmas time. While carols become slightly stale as you grow older, the melodies and performance from this album are timeless, enchanting, historic and carry deep meaning. Now that I'm 33, I appreciate these performances even more, if that is even possible. A true gem. When I discovered it here on CD, I was so excited I telephoned my whole family to let them know.

A one of a kind Christmas Album.......2004-12-01

A friend gave me this album - on a 33RPM record! - over 20 years ago and it has remained one of my all time favorites. Words defy the magic contained in it. You will be transported back hundreds of years. I cannot laud enough the Boston Cantata's attention to details and professionalism in the playing of original instruments, the old English readings, and the incredible vocals, especially the countertenor on "Gabriel's Prophecy."

Simply Fantastic........2002-11-12

This has been my favorite holiday album since it first came out some nearly 25 years ago. It has *definately* stood all tests of time.

Not just for the holidays!.......2001-10-10

This one's superb. I was absolutely thrilled to see it on CD a few years back (I had the LP). "Medieval Christmas" may sound a little...sullen, or something, but ho ho, this one is different. Sure it's early music, one of the best early music CDs I've heard, and I have many, but it fits the spirit of the holiday season perfectly without being preachy, or overtly Christmas-like. I bought a few copies for friends and they say they like it so much, they play it year 'round.

That's a heck of a recommendation for a Christmas CD, eh? I really don't know what makes this one so special. All that I know is that it's a 5-star production, and the "Renaissance Christmas" I would give only 3.5 stars. It doesn't pack as much of a wallop. So grab this one, folks, and enjoy. From me to you I love this CD!

Superb cd - well selected, well performed.......2000-09-18

This collection of Medieval Christmas music has a wonderful mixture of pieces - Hebrew cantillation, Old Saxon readings, plainchant, processional music - with varying countries of origin - Spanish, Provencal, French, Italian, German, English. The net result is a varied program that will appeal even to those not particularly familiar with Medieval music.

The musical instruments are period instruments - rebec, viola da gamba, flutes, recorders, shawm, etc. They are well utilized in the service of the words. The Boston Camerata is, as usual, a well trained choir - the words are clear, the voices blend beautifully.

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful achievement........2007-03-05

The King's Singers have taken on the challenge of singing "Spem In Alium", the famous 40 part motet by Thomas Tallis, by means of multitrack recording technology and accomplished a suprisingly successful recording. Coordinating 40 different voice parts, most of which come and go in a myriad of different ways, must have been quite a daunting task without having the benefit of a conductor or the other 34 singers. The result is a very special recording of this music, featuring extraordinary sound quality, unmatched clarity of all 40 parts, surround-sound, and a mistake-free performance with the most expert possible choral singers on each part. The King's Singers individually even went so far as to use a slightly different vocal quality for each different track they recorded to add to the illusion that there are 40 different people singing, avoiding monotony and giving individual character to each voice part.

The music itself of course is a phenomenon all its own. Its soaring beauty and craftmanship is staggering, containing every possible choral contrapuntal texture from completely individual free counterpoint to block chords echoing antiphonally. While not intended to be the definitive recording of the piece and some purists obviously won't like the concept, it definitely offers something new. The admittedly annoying concept of a CD single notwithstanding, it is very worth buying and even includes a track with commentary from the King's Singers.

playability.......2007-01-22

The actual recording is first class,but it will only play via my DVD and does not work with the CD player.

Confused.......2006-07-01

Is it my imagination or did the review below not actually say what the technical flaw is. As a recording engineer, I'm curious.

SINGLES BAR.......2006-06-11

The music here is a glorious ancient masterpiece, the singing is superlative, the sense of style shown is exemplary, the recording is very good except for a minor blemish, and even the liner-note is excellent.

Nevertheless you may attribute the award of as many stars as three in this instance at least as much to my own habitual benevolence as to what this production really deserves. It goes by the title of a `cd single'. It is the first of its kind to come my way, and I very much hope it will be the last as well. A cd single is something like a stretch-limo being driven around with only one passenger - it's a waste of space and resources. A cd has the capacity for 80 minutes of music, and if someone decides to issue a cd containing only 8 I expect to see this matter reflected proportionately in the pricing. I don't dispute in the least that this recording is very special in some ways, but so are any number of others that come to mind, and the proper course should still have been to fill up the available capacity with other performances, very likely reissues.

Tallis's great motet Spem in Alium was written for 40 solo voices, and there are altogether 6 members of the King's Singers. `6 into 40 doesn't go very well' one of them informs us in the short recorded commentary that accompanies the motet. 6 into 40 goes perfectly well 6 and 2/3 times, what doesn't go is 40 into 6. What the King's Singers have elected to do is utilise modern recording technology so as to take all 40 parts among the 6 of them. I don't question for a moment that this cannot have been straightforward in the least, but it's not exactly new either. More years ago than I care to count there was a record of Bach's concerto for 2 violins with Heifetz playing both solo parts, not so far as I know simultaneously. More recently the Emerson Quartet have given us a performance of Mendelssohn's Octet played by the 4 of them, however they and their producers did not issue this as any cd single but gave us all Mendelssohn's quartets into the bargain. For the most part the challenge has been met very successfully here, the only problem being an odd semi-metallic repeated sound that runs through the entirety of the piece.

The short verbal contribution that the singers give doesn't really say very much that their liner-note hadn't already said, nor indeed say it as well, but it does mention that they had to bring the written pitch down by a tone. This does not worry me in the least, pitch being the variable and ill-defined thing that it has been historically. The motet was almost certainly written with boy trebles in mind for the top parts, and the King's Singers have done the right and sensible thing in bringing it within the comfortable compass of their high counter-tenor. The liner-note is very good, but I had to smile at their innocent comment on the early doubts they entertained and how these were finally resolved - `This version was better than we could have hoped for'. That's that in that case, I guess. From my own less involved viewpoint their version is superlative. The peculiar recording flaw bothers me very little after a lifetime of listening to LP's, but other prospective buyers need to be warned of it. I don't in fact regret buying the disc for an instant, nor do I wish to advise anyone else not to. What I do wish is to propose a total and immediate embargo on further cd singles.

Average customer rating:

Simply extraordinary

Allegri Miserere-Tenebrae

Manufacturer: Signum UK
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

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

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

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

A Cappella | Folk | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Lighten our Darkness
Pilgrimage to Santiago
Music for Compline
Rachmaninoff: Vespers
Talbot: Path of Miracles

ASIN: B000I5YVTI
Release Date: 2006-11-28

Tracks:

Song For Athene
Ex Ore Innocentium
The Lamb
Hymn To The Cherubim
Noew Ye Heavenly Powers
Hymn To St Ceclia
Ave Maria
8-Part Crucifixus
Miserere
Esti Dal
The Dying Soldier
Psalm 148, Lord Who Has Made Us For Thine Own
Faire Is The Heaven

Customer Reviews:

Simply extraordinary.......2007-01-11

I get quickly out of my depth when it comes to any classical music, let alone sacred choral music, so I am wary about looking like a right pillock when I review it. But here goes:

This is a truly extraordinary, beautiful, haunting listening experience.

Signum Records seem to be doing its best to hide the fact that it is recording and releasing exquisite classical music. Much of Signum's catalogue is available only through its website, which Signum doesn't seem to have submitted to search engines for indexing. Allegri-Miserere is one of the few Signum releases available on Amazon. If you do nothing else, snap it up before Signum decides to hide this one too!

To my way of thinking, there are three aspects a record like this: The quality of the material performed, the quality of its execution by the choir, and the quality of the recording. In this case, all three are sublime, across the length of the album.

The title track is, of course, one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written - so beautiful the Vatican forbade, on pain of excommunication, anyone but its own Sistine Chapel Choir from playing it (the story, briefly recounted in the liner notes, of how a young Mozart nicked it from under the Vatican's nose by memorising it in one sitting is a beauty). While I've heard plenty recordings of the Miserere this one - it is a beautifully crisp recording - reveals the complexity and ornamentation of the vocal lines like no other version I've heard, even as between the tenors and basses positioned at the front of the soundstage (I think the Miserere is structured as a song-and-reply between two small choral groups). The sopranos and altos are positioned at the back of the soundstage, and the famous solo treble line is softened and embedded in a glorious natural reverberation giving it a haunting, solemn quality. When the lead soprano (I was surprised to see there are no boy trebles in the choir, by the way - I know it's not supposed to be the same, but I couldn't tell) hits her high C - and it's high in the stratosphere all right, practically in dogs-only territory - and falls away from it down a major scale it really takes your breath away. I almost fell down an escalator at King's Cross St. Pancras with excitement. And I just love the way Miserere resolves delicately into a major, at the very last. Clever man, that Allegri.

Elsewhere, the repertoire fully spans Tenebrae's stated coverage era of 17th-21st century, from Lotti's beautiful 8 Part Crucifix to the more modern works by Taverner, Ireland, Rachmaninov, Britten and Holst.

Not only is the music beautifully selected and recorded, the performance is just extraordinary in its accuracy and tone, dynamism and control. Though the sopranos steal the limelight in the Miserere, the rich bass and beautifully constant tenors are well to the fore throughout, and kick some righteous heavenly butt on Sheremetriev's Now Ye Heavenly Powers. It's spine-tingling, neck-shivering material, and when the basses hit their final bottom note, as low in the subterranea as the sopranos are high in the Miserere, I fell down the stairs with surprise and delight at East Finchley. Marvellous.

I really couldn't recommend this more highly. Treat yourself.

Olly Buxton

Average customer rating:

a voice teacher and early music fan
Sounds like everyone, but uniquely himself. . .
Wonderful music
A Great Musical Discovery!
Beautiful...definitely a masterpiece

Matins for the Virgin of Guadeloupe
Ignacio Jerusalem y Stella , Joseph Jennings , and Chanticleer
Manufacturer: Teldec
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Mexican Baroque
Padilla: Music of the Mexican Baroque
Masterpieces of Mexican Polyphony
Tavener: Lamentations & Praises
Music for a Hidden Chapel

ASIN: B000005825
Release Date: 1998-02-17

Tracks:

Matins For The Virgin Of Guadalupe: Invitatorio y Salmo 94
Matins For The Virgin Of Guadalupe: Hymn : Quem terra potus sidera
Matins For The Virgin Of Guadalupe: Bendici Lecci
Matins For The Virgin Of Guadalupe: Responsorio : Vidi speciosam sicut columbam
Matins For The Virgin Of Guadalupe: Responsorio : Quae est ista, quae ascendit
Matins For The Virgin Of Guadalupe: Bendici LecciI
Matins For The Virgin Of Guadalupe: Responsorio : Quae est ista, quae processit
Matins For The Virgin Of Guadalupe: Interludio : Albricias mortales (Manuel de Sumaya [Zumaya], c. 1678-1755)
Matins For The Virgin Of Guadalupe: Antna y Salmo 18 - Orchestral Verso No.8 In G Minor - Orchestral Verso No.13 In G Minor - Orchestral Verso No.9 In G Minor
Matins For The Virgin Of Guadalupe: Responsorio : Signum magnum apparuit in caelo
Matins For The Virgin Of Guadalupe: Verslo, Padrenuestro y Absoluci
Matins For The Virgin Of Guadalupe: Responsorio : Beatam me dicent omnes (Giacomo Rust, 1741-1786)
Matins For The Virgin Of Guadalupe: Bendici LecciII
Matins For The Virgin Of Guadalupe: Te Deum - Te Deum laudamus
Matins For The Virgin Of Guadalupe: Te Deum - Te aeternum Patrem
Matins For The Virgin Of Guadalupe: Te Deum - Tibi omnes Angeli
Matins For The Virgin Of Guadalupe: Te Deum - Tibi Cherubim et Seraphim
Matins For The Virgin Of Guadalupe: Te Deum - Sanctus
Matins For The Virgin Of Guadalupe: Te Deum - Pleni sunt caeli
Matins For The Virgin Of Guadalupe: Te Deum - Te ergo quaesumus
Matins For The Virgin Of Guadalupe: Te Deum - Aeterna fac cum sanctis tuis
Matins For The Virgin Of Guadalupe: Te Deum - In te, Domine, speravi
Matins For The Virgin Of Guadalupe: Recesional: Angcas milicias (Manuel de Sumaya)