Search - Corciolli :: Unio Mystica

Almost like being at an ancient mystical ceremony

07/17/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"As you listen to this 1997 production it is very easy to close your eyes and imagine that you are observing some ancient mystical ceremony, complete with incense and smoke. Indeed the cover notes advise that it should be filed under New Sacred Music. But although it does have the qualities mentioned above, those who a not enamored with Gothic music should not dismiss this album. It contains much that will appeal to the lover of Enya or indeed, Adiemus. Most of the songs are sung in Latin for which there is a translation into English on the sleeve notes, and there is also a certain amount of Arabic thrown in for good measure.The delightful vocals of Adriana Mezzedri dominate this CD, and often the Gregorian chants of the San Bento Monastery in San Paulo, Brazil can be heard too. The album was recorded in San Paulo and mastered at Sound Techniques in Boston. Sonically it is an excellent recording. And will satisfy even the most fussy audiophile.The track that I have selected above is Lumen Naturae - the light of nature. Supporting Adtrianas voice are sparsely instrumented textures of piano, sitar, synthesizer, human whistling, accordions and various percussion. All used to very good effect. A quotation on the sleeve notes from the Golden Treasury of The Philosophers Stone reminds us that:Things found in the upper kingdom are also found in the lower kingdom. That which is shown in Heaven is always found on Earth. Fire and water are opposite poles. Blessed is the man who manages to unite them. All I can say is that Corciolli certainly seem to have been very successful in achieving this objective"