Editorial Reviews

Decca's recording of chant sung by the Cistercian Monks of Stift Heiligenkreuz in southern Austria fulfills the purpose of this type of album: mellow, slow, reflective, unison chant melodies for general audiences. The CD has high production values; the sound is exceptionally clean and clear with just enough resonance to evoke a monastic atmosphere. The singers have light, pleasant, natural-sounding tenors and baritones, and their voices blend smoothly. Their singing is more expressive than many performances of this repertoire, with a subtle use of dynamic shading that follows the melodic contours of the chant. This two-disc album is an expansion of an earlier identical-looking, single-disc release. In addition to antiphons, responsories, psalms, hymns, and canticles, it includes music for several complete services: a requiem, compline, vespers, and masses for Advent and Christmas. Two of the most satisfying tracks are simply the tolling of the bells of the monastery, with birdsong in the background. The notes, which reflect a Roman Catholic spirituality, don't identify the source or specific era of the chants being sung, but simply describe them as "Gregorian." The volume of the album is loud, and the listener will probably want to adjust the levels down if the goal is to establish an appropriately contemplative atmosphere. Stephen Eddins, All Music Guide

Customer Reviews

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