Reviewed by Dave Massey

Gregorian chant has never been a personal favourite with me, but it would be difficult to listen to this recording and not come away with some sense of the peace and reflection of St Celia's Abbey. There are some rough moments - most of the nuns are not, of course, professional singers but they impart to these chants the well oiled and warm affection that comes from familiarity. The two Christmas tracks, "Hodie" and "Ecce Nomen Domini" are particularly poignant at this time of the year, short but no less beautiful for that and imparting a sense of awe inspired by the fact that Today the King of the heavens deigned to be born for us...' This is a recording to be played on a cold, dark night if you are in need of a warm, bright glow.

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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