Reviewed by Simon Redfern

As you would expect from such well known purveyors of classical style choral music, this collection of Taize chants is produced to a high standard. Despite being a closet fan of Gregorian chant when the mood takes me, I found this music very difficult to latch on to; partly I believe due to the need to read the CD sleeve to understand the contents added to the highly repetitive nature of the compositions. The music itself was very well played as you would hope, but it was in many cases too prominent in the mix drowning out the vocals, such as with the opening track "Nada Te Turbe". I also found the musical compositions way too grandiose and heavyweight to be enjoyable to any degree, "Christus Resurrexit" being a prime example. This CD may well score points with those with an acquired taste for high-brow classical choral and cathedral style music, but not with me. Taize can be very relaxing and highly conducive to thoughtful prayer, but I am sad to say it didn't lead me towards contemplation or celebration of matters spiritual or otherwise!

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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