Exaudiam Eum - Gregorian Chant for Lent and Holy Week - Gregorian Chant

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the sacred and timeless sounds of Gregorian Chant with "Exaudiam Eum - Gregorian Chant for Lent and Holy Week" by Consortium Vocale. This exquisite collection, released in 2007, features chants from the five Sundays of Lent, Palm Sunday, and Good Friday, meticulously recorded in the medieval church at Ringsaker, Norway. The album spans a duration of one hour and twelve minutes, comprising 21 tracks that encapsulate the essence of Lent and Holy Week.

The Gregorian melodies presented here have deep historical roots, tracing back to the Jewish synagogue service and evolving into the Christian liturgy. Under the direction of Alexander M. Schweitzer, Consortium Vocale delivers a performance that is both reverent and captivating, making it a profound experience for anyone drawn to the spiritual and historical significance of Gregorian chant.

The album includes a variety of chants such as Introitus, Graduale, Kyrie, and Communio, each contributing to the rich tapestry of liturgical music. Notable tracks include "Kyrie Xvii A - Kyrie Salve," "Hymnus - Crux Fidelis," and "Improperia - Popule Meus - Trishagion," which highlight the depth and diversity of the chants performed.

"Exaudiam Eum" is not just an album; it is a journey through the sacred chants of Lent and Holy Week, offering a serene and contemplative atmosphere. Whether you are a devotee of Gregorian chant or a newcomer to this ancient form of music, this album provides a profound and enriching experience. The combination of the Consortium Vocale's skilled performance and the acoustics of the medieval church in Ringsaker creates an atmosphere of tranquility and reverence, making it a standout release in the genre of Gregorian chant.

March 20, 2007

(P) 2007 Lindberg Lyd

About Gregorian Chant

Gregorian Chant is the quintessential tradition of Western plainchant, a sacred form of monophonic, unaccompanied song in Latin that has resonated within the Roman Catholic Church for centuries. Originating in the 9th and 10th centuries across Western and Central Europe, this ethereal music is often mistakenly attributed to Pope Gregory I, but it is actually a synthesis of various chant traditions that emerged during the Carolingian era. The haunting melodies and Latin texts of Gregorian Chant create a serene and meditative atmosphere, perfect for prayer and reflection. The music of Gregorian Chant is not just an auditory experience; it's a journey through the rich history and spiritual depth of the Catholic liturgy. From the ancient hymns to modern interpretations, Gregorian Chant offers a timeless connection to the divine, fostering a singular focus on the sacred without modern distractions. Whether you're exploring the traditional chants or contemporary adaptations, Gregorian Chant invites you to immerse yourself in the pure, unadorned beauty of this sacred music.