Track Listing

1. Judicii signum, processional hymn
2. Quem creditis super astra / Viri galilei, troped introit
3. Celestis terrestrisque, kyrie
4. Prudentia prudentium, gloria
5. Dominus in Sina
6. Ascendens Christus
7. Salvator mundi / Rex omnipotens die hodierna, sequence
8. Elevatus est rex fortis / Viri galilei, troped offertory
9. Ante secula, sanctus
10. Omnipotens eterne (Agnus Dei)
11. Corpus quod nunc / Psallite domino, troped communion
12. Apocalypse 21:1-5, lection
13. Regnantem sempiterna, prose
14. Cives celestis patrie, hymn

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #61625 in Music
• Released on: 2000-09-12
• Number of discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Dimensions: .35 pounds

Amazon.com essential recording
Remember all of the year-2000 nervousness in the latter part of 1999? That was nothing. As the year 1000 approached, people all over the Christian world were convinced that the Apocalypse--as depicted in the biblical Book of Revelation--and the end of the world were at hand. In one of the more interesting musical program ideas to be inspired by the turn of the calendrical odometer, Anonymous 4 revisits the original "millennium madness" with a disc of chant from around the year 1000--specifically, a Mass for the Feast of the Ascension, one of the few occasions on which the liturgy included readings from the Book of Revelation. This is the oldest written Western music to have survived, and it's difficult even to decipher (the original notation has no staff lines or clear indications of rhythm), let alone perform. Yet, the challenges involved seem to have done these ladies good: not only is their performance both assured and confident, but one can hear new facets in their vocal sound--a sound that, however beautiful it might be, some listeners find monotonous. (One new facet is Jacqueline Horner, the quartet's newest member, for whom this is the first recording.) The singers experiment with interpretation of ornaments that are indicated in the manuscript sources (there's a fascinating little trill that sounds rather like a cooing dove); in some of the chants, they add an additional line in accordance with the principles of improvising polyphony that were laid out in 10th- and 11th-century treatises. The entire program seems thoroughly considered, as well as immaculately executed. If you count on the consistently pure, silky tone and meditative quality that has made Anonymous 4 world-famous, you'll definitely find it here; if you've gotten bored with them, you might find this disc a fascinating surprise. --Matthew Westphal

Customer Reviews

A Peace Beyond All Understanding
I have always been highly suspicious of "spiritual people". Why them and not me? I was only looking for pretty music when I, a rock n roller by upbringing, purchased this CD. What followed during the listening of this CD, was a deeply meditative state as I let the music, so beautiful words cannot describe, transport me into a deeper consciousness. There I was able to pray from the deepest part of my soul. A first. It has immediately replaced my incremental valium use. I am not a meditator, not into Yoga, don't even like people who are, but this music sounds like the holy ghost if it can be personified, who pleads with such compassion for each and every one of us in a world gone mad. The gregorian chant music on this particular cd seems to be telling the story of time and man to God. It is a sad and compassionate tale that doesn't miss a detail as its heavenly and soulful sound tells in words beyond my understanding a long story filled with strife, sin, pain and sorrow, yet with such love and feeling that it catches its listener up as though it were part of the communication to God and lifts the listener to a serene place where all of the cement jungle, and hostile traffic, and hate among people seem to become the other dimension and not the dimension you find yourself in when listening to this CD. Maybe it is something different for every listener. This was my experience.

No End only a Beginning
I only started listening to "Annonymous 4" this past year but I love them. I have not been dissappointed by any of their CD's. They have a sampler CD entitled "Portrait" that features songs from their upteen CD's, you might start there to see if you like this type of music. There is not much for me to say about this CD except it is beautiful. The voices of angels on earth. I imagine this music is not for everyone but if you're reading this you are at least curious. Holy music from a bygone millennium, medieval music for spiritualists in the new millennium. Much too technical and not enough expertise to explain the music , suffice to say you feel cleansed after listening. A quite period , a time for contemplation, a time to search one's soul, a time for a performance by "Annonymous 4". A wayward Catholics connection to the spiritual path written a thousand years ago, it's church music to listen to anywhere. Written for the feast of the Ascension it elevates the mind and soul to those places that only peace can bring. It is hard to distinguish when there is a solo and when there is a chorus, it is sung singularly in unison inspired by the divine. The wonder and beauty of all it inspires is the gift that the "Annonymous 4" have recreated. Light a candle, close your eyes and listen, the church is within.

One of their finest
What can be said about the renowned, magnificent, unfailing, and achingly beautiful music of Anonymous 4? You can't really go wrong with any of their discs. They are all top notch. If I had to recommend one to a first-timer, I would have to suggest either this one, "1000 - A Mass for the End of Time," or "The Legends of St. Nicholas." Both are remarkable. Remarkable in a way that transcends their normal stunning beauty. The artists have grown in power and depth over the years. This album shows it.