Benedictine Monks of Santo Domingo de Silos - Chant: The Anniversary Edition
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Free Music Notes for Chant: The Anniversary Edition
Free Music Review: Watch out...
Hit: 3 Stars
For what it is, this CD set is decent. If you're reading this, you probably already know that this is not a set aimed at the serious medieval music fan. The liner notes printed on the folded insert contain little historical background (rather, they attempt to explain why the Chant I and II CDs were so popular when released in the mid-1990s). Also, texts for the chants are missing--a serious oversight on EMI's part. It would have cost them pennies more per set to include full texts and translations. My other gripe is with the sound. I don't have the "original" Chant I and II CDs to compare, but the sound on this Anniversary set is riddled with irritating digital artifacts--these recordings sound like poorly encoded MP3s. The artifacting is caused by the application of too much "noise reduction" to reduce tape hiss (these recordings were originally made in the 1970s and early 1980s). I don't necessarily expect these CDs of 30-year-old recordings to sound as good as present-day recordings, but I'm disappointed that the engineer(s) at EMI allowed so much digital artifacting to creep in (it is most audible on sibilances). If you plan to listen to these CDs quietly or on an inexpensive portable CD player, the digital artifacting likely will not be a problem, but if you plan to listen to this CD on a decent stereo or home theatre, it can be distracting.
Casual listeners looking for one or two CDs of medieval chant for relaxation may be well-served by this inexpensive set. It isn't "bad." The performances are sincere and pleasant. If you're looking for soothing or calming music, you can't do any better than Gregorian chant, but the sound and packaging of this set leave something to be desired. Medieval music buffs may want to pass on this one. I received my copy as a gift; I'll keep it, but I wouldn't buy it again. There are so many better chant recordings available.
Free Music Review: It sounds like all the other chant cd's out there
Hit: 1 Stars
There is nothing special about this CD - buy Chant 1, save 5 bucks, and call it good
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