Description

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A sampling of the best of Solesmes. The monks of Solesmes have selected a sampling of the "best" Gregorian chants, including Antiphons for Lauds of Martyrs at Eastertide, Kyrie IX and Gloria IX. 
This recording reflects the unmatched authenticity which characterizes the exquisitely gracious and moving performances of Gregorian chant by the Monks of Solesmes.

Track 1-Introit     Jubilate
Track 2-Antiphons from Lauds of the Martyrs at Eastertide
Track 3-Kyrie IX 
Track 4-Gloria IX
Track 5-Offertory     Recordare
Track 6-Responsory     Sancta
Track 7-Hymn     Sanctorum Meritis
Track 8-Communion     Pascha Nostrum
Track 9-Hymn     Salve Festa Dies
Track 10-Introit     Salus Autem
Track 11-Responsory     Subvenite
Track 12-Sequence     Laetabundus
Track 13-Gradual     Concupivit
Track 14-Communion     Semel Juravi
Track 15-Sequence     Ave Maria
Track 16-Communion     Laetabitur Justus
Track 17-Antiphon and Invitatory Psalm     Regem
Track 18-Gradual     Viderunt
Track 19-Offertory     Tui Sunt
Track 20-Alleluia     De Profundis
Track 21-Communion     Cantate
Track 22-Antiphon     Salve Regina
Track 23-Ringing of the Angelus
 

About the Author

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Since the re-founding of the Abbey of St. Peter of Solesmes in 1833 under Dom Prosper Gueranger, this Benedictine monastery on the River Sarthe in western France has set the world standard both for the performance of Gregorian chant and the authenticity of the music itself. Commissioned by Pope Pius X to research the role of chant in liturgy and to edit books on chant that reflect this research, Solesmes enjoys an enviable reputation. Its work in liturgical reform and in the current revival of Gregorian chant has been likened to that of the great abbey of Cluny in the Middle Ages. These recordings incorporate new understandings of ancient manuscripts and represent a distillation of nearly 200 years of scholarship in the chant: musical paleography, semiology, and modality. The groundbreaking work by the monks of Solesmes has contributed to today’s resurgence of interest in Gregorian chant as the foundation of Western music.

Praise For…

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“The success of Gregorian chant in the past century, and the centered richness of prayer it brings to all of us, is almost singularly due to the herculean efforts of the Benedictine Monks of Solesmes, France.” —New Liturgical Movement

“There’s something incredibly fresh and new… which is well worth your attention.” —New Liturgical Movement

“The music is exceptionally inviting, engaging listeners’ ears with beauty and elevating their thoughts no matter what their spiritual or religious beliefs and doctrines may be.” —TransCentury Communications

“The most famous and ‘authentic’ recordings of Gregorian chant for generations have been those made by the Solesmes monks.” —The Boston Globe

“The music is utterly magnificent and the singing of this great choir is thrilling beyond words…it’s better to starve to this music than to live without it.” —Classic CD

“Solesmes sets the standard for Gregorian chant performance.” —American Record Guide