Details: The monks of Solesmes have selected a sampling of the "best" Gregorian chants, including Antiphons for Lauds of Martyrs at Eastertide, Kyrie IX and Gloria IX. This recording reflects the unmatched authenticity which characterizes the exquisitely gracious and moving performances of Gregorian chant by the Monks of Solesmes. 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.

The Monks of Solesmes - Gregorian Sampler (CD)