Search - Ancient Voices, Anonymous 4, Eo :: Vox Sacra

Excellence in Ancient Sacred Music

01/10/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am new to Ancient Sacred music, and therefore was reluctant to purchase this CD, being afraid it would be monotonous. I am absolutely delighted with Ancient Voices! Anonymous 4 are their typcial excellent selves, Ensemble Organum and Soeur Marie Keyrouz are just as wonderful. I listen to it often and do not seem to tire from it as I do with other ancient music CDs. I recommend it."

Collection of Exquisite Artists

Hristos Voskrese | USA | 01/09/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD presents a collection of songs from three major artists of sacred Christian music: Anonymous 4, Ensemble Organum, and Soeur Marie Keyrouz.



The four songs by Anonymous 4 are from late medieval England. The four singers are all women. The sacred polyphony is markedly superb and hints towards greater use of polyphony in composers like Palestrina.



Ensemble Organum masterfully renders Gregorian Chant. The three chants presented largely impress an Eastern or Byzantine flavor, distinct from other groups that release Gregorian and Old Roman chants (e.g. Schola Hungarica). The guiding principle behind this Eastern emphasis in sound is the historical fact that old Rome was much influenced by Byzantine art and music.



Soeur Marie Keyrouz chants music from various Eastern and Oriental Christian traditions--Byzantine (Greek), Maronite (Lebanese Christian), and Melchite (Byzantine Christians of the Middle East). Most people are not aware of these Eastern and Oriental Christian hymns--many of which are still chanted in the ancient churches.









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