Description

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The Requiem Mass is one of the most frequently performed Masses of the Medieval period. It is this mass that forms the centerpiece of Gloriæ Dei Cantores Schola's acclaimed recording Gregorian Requiem. Not only are two traditional masses included, but there are antiphons for the vigil prior to the funeral, antiphons changed in the church beforehand, as well as chants sung as the casket leaves the church. Included also is the sequence Dies irae, dies illa, best known for its inclusion in more modern Requiems such as those by Mozart, Verdi and Durufle. Thus, this recording presents a medieval funeral mass, as it would have been chanted in the fourteenth century.
Gloriæ Dei Cantores Schola brings a wealth of experience to the chants, as they have chanted the offices for thirty years. They are particularly known for their sensitivity to text and phrasing, and have spent many years studying the rhythmic aspects of the chants as reflected in the Laon manuscript, among others. This re-release follows their tradition of subtle, elegant interpretations of Gregorian chant that are most moving and worshipful.

About the Author

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Gloriæ Dei Cantores Schola is dedicated to the singing and study of Gregorian chant. Its expertise and experience come from daily chanting of the Liturgy of the Hours as well as the Ordinary and Proper of the Mass at the Church of the Transfiguration in Orleans, MA. The Schola also conducts chant workshops and performs in concert with Gloriæ Dei Cantores. Years of study with Dr. Mary Berry, CBE, founder of the Schola Gregoriana in Cambridge, England, and the monks of St. Peter’s Abbey in Solesmes, France, also contribute to the Schola’s passion for Gregorian chant as a vibrant and living form of sung prayer. Gloriæ Dei Cantores Schola has been critically acclaimed in both Europe and the United States for its proper regard for rhythmic flexibility and its sensitivity to both musical and textural phrase.

Gloriae Dei Cantores (Singers to the Glory of God) holds a passionate dedication to the faithful representation of spiritual and musical authenticity in the choral arts. Sharing its vision of inspiration and hope, the choir has touched the hearts of audiences in twenty-four countries in Europe and Asia, as well as extensive tours and concert series in the United States. The choir's catalog of more than fifty recordings showcases an expansive repertoire, encompassing both masterworks and rarely performed musical treasures from Gregorian chant to the twenty-first century. Richard K. Pugsley and Gloriae Dei Cantores have garnered high praise for bringing lesser- known, yet fully deserving composers and their works to light. The choir makes its home at the Church of the Transfiguration in Orleans, Massachusetts, where it sings worship services throughout the year.

Praise For…

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"...a rich, wonderful presentation of Requiem chants. Many listen to chants for the meditative, relaxing atmosphere they set. Some enjoy this music in its classical sense. Still others use recorded chants as part of their personal worship. This album will satisfy all who enjoy chants. Gregorian Requiem was recorded at Mechanics Hall in Worcester, Mass., one of the world's greatest music halls. The quality of recording is superior-- audiophiles will want this album for its nearly perfect sound. An album of Gregorian chant for those who want to experience authentic medieval worship or a deeply spiritual musical experience. Gregorian Requiem is an excellent recording in its own rite and a must for classical music fans."
 — Christian Retailing   

"The phrasing is carefully shaped, the articulation and intonation are precise, and the diction is crystal clear. In sum, this is a fine recording by a fine group: certainly a standout among the relatively large number of chant recordings abroad these days."
—The American Organist   

"Recordings of the Gregorian Requiem have never been easy to find, but here you are. And not only that, besides the full Mass, the Gloriae Dei Cantores provide all the attendant and optional chants. Music of extreme dignity as well as melodic beauty dominate these chants, some of the supreme examples in the entire liturgy. Performances are expert by the mixed choir-- "mixed" both as to women and men, and clergy plus laity. The 44-voice Gloriae Dei Cantores, elegant of timber, specialize in Gregorian music, and indeed, perform it almost daily. That's a major advantage for a release such as this, captures in high-tech sonics. Outstanding!"
—In Tune Magazine     

"The Gloriae Dei Cantores Schola is a finely honed choral group specializing in Gregorian chant. They are more than that, though, they are a mixed group of sixteen Benedictine religious whose daily lives incorporate chant and have since the mid-seventies. This is singing polished to the point of reflex with the added element of absolute conviction which turns finesse into inspiration. The subtleties of rhythm, nuance, movement are complex but as natural as breathing. Most amazingly, all is sung in absolute unison with not so much as a hint of an errant inflection. I don't imagine chant gets much better than this. The male and female voices weave strong, silken ribbons of ethereal sound. The superb acoustics of Mechanics Hall in Worcester, MA are an active participant in the clarity and depth these voices achieve. This recording is a fine choice for anyone who wants to hear chant at its most fluid."
—Harmonia Early Music Newsletter