Authentic advent music
K. A. Noble | New York | 12/24/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As a former Benedictan monk, the community sang these O Antiphons during Vespers as well as includes the Biblical readings and hymns that are part of recording. The selections are on target and the etherial and timeless beauty of the singing is something we can only aspire to. The recording of Gabriel's Message is the most powerful one I've ever heard. When I listen to these selections, I feel I am in the antechamber of heaven. I highly recommend this recording for everyone."
Sublime, peaceful, and Masterfully performed
Christian Ellithorpe | Streamwood, IL United States | 12/31/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD is truly a World-Class recording, and it belongs on the shelf of anyone remotely interested in choral works in general, as well as any listener interested in Christmas, Advent, "Holiday". The opening Processional; "Let My Prayer Come Up" is alone worth the price of this disc, and you really have to hear it to believe how beautiful it is. The recordings & interpretations on the CD are once Sublime, Peaceful, and MASTERFULLY performed by The Choir of St. Marks in Seattle, with Scriptural Readings, Carols, Meditations and "Sarum" or Gregorian Chants. Appropriate for the Season of Advent, but I would HIGHLY recommended this recording for any listener for quiet meditation year-round. As a matter of fact, I've listened to this recording dozens of times, including at any time of the year when stress overtakes me from the sometimes hurried business of life, because it draws the Listener back to a time when our culture valued times of quiet reflection & meditation. Finally, the recording engineers at Loft/Gothic are to be highly congratulated on the sense of realism & depth they have captured here."
Review of 'O' Advent Antiphons
Stephen H. Ford | Thornhill, Ontario | 01/07/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Excellent recording of excellent choirs and readers. The Advent 'O' antiphons are presented in both plain song and choral settings in the context of 'Lessons and Carols.' (The 'O' antiphons, themselves, are for use as antiphons from December 16-23)."