Vespers & Compline - The great bell of Solesmes calls the listener to the complete Office of Sunday Vespers and Compline on this exquisite chant recording that includes Gregorian antiphons, psalms, hymns and the Angelus. "Vespers and Compline... reveal the fruits of some more recent research into Gregorian rhythmic patterns and were recorded under the direction of Dom Jean Claire, choirmaster of the Abbey and noted scholar. For historical interest, these recordings are fascinating... and for the living tradition that Solesmes commenced and it's popular appeal." (Green Guide) In the late 19th century, Pope Leo XIII charged the Abbey of Solesmes with the restoration and preservation of Gregorian Chant according to the original 10th-11th century manuscripts. The care and zeal with which the monks undertook this mission quickly extended the Abbey's influence beyond Europe. Their goal: that Gregorian Chant be available to all people so they may "pray with the help of beauty" (Pop St. Pius X). Today, the Abbey continues to be a vibrant source of research and liturgical prayer with their library of over 200,000 volumes, and a musical palaeography workshop second only to the Vatican. But above all, Solesmes is a living community of Benedictine monks searching for God and sharing their spirituality, community life, and heritage.