Gregorian Chant Recordings

Here is a brief list of Gregorian chant recordings in my collection. If you would like to see reviews of the following CDs you have two options. Some of the recordings were reviewed at World Music Central and all were reviewed on the pages of Cranky Crow Whole Music.

1. Peregrine, Gregorian Chant, independent release, Seattle, Washington
(Peregrine gives a contemporary interpretation of Gregorian chants, in that this choir embraces other spiritual practices which the chanters blend with the Gregorian chant. And sometimes they sing the chants in English instead of Latin).
 

2. Medieval Women's Choir, Margriet Tindemans, Director, River of Red, independent release, Seattle, Washington
(Although the Medieval Women's Choir does incorporate the chants of the medieval German Benedictine abbess, Hildegard von Bingen in their work, this choir goes beyond just singing Gregorian chants. Some of the choir's work includes modern compositions, and also polyphony).
 

3. Rex Olavus, Schola Sanctae Sunnivae, Kirkelig Kulturverksted, Norway
(This choir from Norway are the most traditional sounding of Gregorian chants in my collection. This particular collection reflects on the life of Norway's Saint Olaf).
 

4. Officium Ed Missae in Nativitate--Sancti Joannes Baptistae, Schola Sanctae Sunnivae & Hartkeriana, Norway/Netherlands, KKV
(On this recording, a double-disc, the Norwegian choir teams up with an all-male choir, Hartkeriana of Amsterdam. They honor Saint John the Baptist. By the way, Schola Sanctae Sunnivae is an all-woman choir that specializes in Gregorian chants).
 

5. Keur Moussa, Sacred Chants & African Rhythms from Senegal, Benedictine monks in Senegal, Sounds True

(Imagine Senegalese traditional instruments and atmosphere blending with traditional Gregorian chants compliments of a Benedictine monestary in Senegal. Really a beautiful recording! And perfect for those who like blending different traditions and love African music).
 

6. Women in Chant, The Choir of Benedictine Nuns at the Abbey of Regina Laudis, Sounds True
(I think the title pretty much sums up this recording. It feels like stepping into a church during choir rehearsal. It is vulnerable, fragile, and gorgeous--nuns caught in the moment of spiritual passion and contemplation).