In the summer of 2008, young Austrian monks made it to the charts (DJX0932), now it's the turn of French nuns. Just like back then, the Universal label has searched for the most beautiful Gregorian choir, but now specifically focused on nunneries. Ultimately, the choice fell on the ladies of a southern French monastery near Avignon, the abbey of Notre-Dame de l'Annonciation (founded in 1979). The
… selection of chants is nice, but not very striking. The more famous Gregorian melodies are featured on this CD, divided into three themes: an overture is followed by songs about sorrow, the consoling presence of Jesus and the resulting burning hearts of the faithful. Gregorian chant does indeed sound fiery and passionate from time to time and certainly not flat or routine. Especially the elongated melodies (such as the tractus Commovisti and the introitus Esto Mihi) have beautiful tension arcs. Some hymns like Adoro Te sound a bit duller. As a whole, however, the nuns have made a beautiful and atmospheric CD, ideal for the dark Christmas days ... (TC)more
