Search - Anonymous, Gregorian Chant, Brigitte Lesne :: Eya Mater

It's an interesting phenomenon--taking music so specific to place and function out of its intended context and "performing" it for an individual listener. The singular purpose for which Gregorian chant was created--to serve the practice of the Holy Offices of the church--would seem to inhibit its effectiveness when sung completely disconnected from a church service. Somehow, these often very beautiful and intricate melodies work their own magic anyway, irrespective of occasion or religious persuasion of the listener. Discantus--an eight-voice women's a cappella ensemble--performs these 14 chants and polyphonic pieces from the 11th and 12th centuries in a lively, well-articulated style, with a sound reminiscent of Anonymous 4, only a bit edgier and more filled-out, probably owing to the greater number of singers. --David Vernier