Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

"Venite Exultemus", the opening song, sets the tone for the rest of this collection: "Come, let us cry out for joy". This is a joyful collection and it would be a hard heart that is not lifted up by these deceptively simple songs. Of the 19 on this CD five are straight from the Old Testament and three from the New. The recording bears witness to the "way of trust" that the Community of Taizé has followed for many years, in common prayer and in hospitality. It is apparent that this is not the first recording from Taizé when we notice that an "Alleluia" from Psalm 146 is entitled "Alleluia 20" and likewise a "Kyrie Eleison" is number 19. However two songs, "Alleluia, Slava Tiebie Bo¸e" and "Bogoroditse Dievo" ("Glory Be To You, O God!" and "O Virgin Mary") come from the eastern Christian tradition. Those familiar with the Taizé approach will know what to expect from this CD. If you are blessed by Taizé I expect you will like this one.
Seven squares
Steven Whitehead