Chant / Monks Of Solesmes Discovering Gregorian Chant CD

Known throughout the world as the leading masters of Gregorian chant, the monks of Solesmes present a 2-album set that includes "Learning about Gregorian Chant" and "Gregorian Chant Rediscovered". "Learning About Gregorian Chant" simplifies and clarifies the world of chant for those to whom Gregorian chant is a mystery. The combination of a clearly understood text (read by Sarah Moule) with the fluidly sung examples (sung by the Benedictine monks of Solesmes) convinces the listener that Gregorian chant is open to everyone for enjoyment and prayer. The clear and concise presentation on this recording will make it a valuable resource for educators, musicologists, students of music and those who wish for a basic understanding of chant. "It is a marvelous, brief explanation of the various types and styles of the chant, going from it's early, simple forms of recitation to the elaborate, soloistic forms. Dom Saulnier's historical explanations of the origins of the texts and their use in the service is especially interesting as is their development along the way into today's usage have always been amazed at the depth of his knowledge as to the whole history of chant performance and to hear his brief and very meaningful comments is a real pleasure... I need hardly say that the recordings of chant from the abbey are, to my mind, still the finest on the market, thanks to Dom Claire and it is good to hear them brought out again for the American public. For anyone interested in what the various forms of chant are and where and why they were used this is a wonderfully concise and informative recording." (Dr. Robert Fowells, Los Angeles Gregorian Schola (founder), California State University)

1. Ad Te Domine, Offertory in Mode 2 (Liber Usualis No 321) 2. Qui Sedes, Domine, Gradual in Mode 7 (Liber Usualis 335) 3. Descendit de Caelis, Responsory in Mode 1 4. Virgo Dei Genitrix, Hymn in Mode 2 (Liber Usualis, No 1865) 5. Media Vita in Morte Sumus, Responsory in Mode 4 6. Dirigatur, Gradual in Mode 7 (Liber Usualis, No 1060A) 7. Meditabor, Offertory in Mode 2 8. Christus Factus Est, Gradual in Mode 5 (Liber Usualis, No 655) 9. Hoc Corpus, Communion in Mode 8 (Liber Usualis, No 573B) 10. Custodi Me, Offertory in Mode 1, (Liber Usualis No 611A) 11. Tenebrae, Responsory in Mode 7 (Liber Usualis 680) 12. Kyrie I, in Mode 8 for the Ordinary (Liber Usualis, No 16B) 13. Gloria I, in Mode 4 for the Ordinary (Liber Usualis, No 16C) 14. Jubilate Deo Universa, Offertory in Mode 1 (Liber Usualis, 486B) 15. Christus Resurgens, (Responsory, Mode 2) 16. Spiritus Domini, Introit in Mode 8 (Liber Usualis, No 878B) 17. Spiritus Sanctus, Communion in Mode 8 18. Da Pacem, Introit in Mode 1 (Liber Usualis No 1056A) 19. Kyrie Ad Lib X, from the Ordinary in Mode 1(Liber Usualis, No 80B) 20. Precatus Est, Offertory in Mode 8 21. Memento Verbi, Communion in Mode 4, (Liber Usualis, 1065B) 22. Assumpta Est, Alleluia in Mode 5 (Liber Usualis, No 1603) 23. Salve Regina (Antiphon) (Simple Tone) (Liber Cantualis, 94) 24. Justus Germinabit, Alleluia in Mode 1 (Liber Usualis, 1192) 25. Quinque Prudentes, Communion in Mode 5 (Liber Usualis 1228B) 26. Requiem Aeternam, Introit in Mode 6 (Liber Usualis 1807A) 27. Urbs Jerusalem, Hymn in Mode 4 (Liber Usualis1865) 28. Learning About Gregorian Chant, An Overview of the History ; Elements of Gregorian Chant with Musical Samples ; Narration