Masters of Chant Chapter II by Gregorian

Masters of Chant Chapter II is Gregorian's 2001 follow-up, a second volume of pop and rock songs reworked as plainchant. It widens the palette of the first record and adds guest soprano vocals. I came to it after the debut and found it the richer, more confident set.

Why listen?

The sound is fuller and more dramatic, the choir set against deeper orchestration. The production is warm and cathedral-like, with space for each voice to breathe. The chosen songs range wide, from Pink Floyd to Deep Purple, all bent towards the sacred. There is a sense of an old ritual meeting modern memory. It is an album that takes its odd premise seriously.

Favourite song: Moment of Peace

The album's own composition, lifted by a soaring guest soprano. It is the most original and the most moving track here.

In a world without dangers
When destruction is near, you can come with us here
When the people are strangers, you will rest here with me
In a moment of peace

The way the soprano floats above the chant feels like a lark rising over open hills. It reminds me of pausing on a high ridge while the wind drops and everything goes quiet. The song earns its title, offering a real stillness rather than a borrowed one.

Key takeaway

Masters of Chant Chapter II deepens the idea without losing its calm. A fine place to rest a busy mind.

Tracklist

• Moment of Peace
• The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
• In the Air Tonight
• Bonny Portmore
• Hymn
• Child in Time
• Everybody's Got to Learn Sometime
• Wish You Were Here
• Lady D'Arbanville
• Heaven Can Wait
• Babylon
• Stairway to Heaven

Details

Listen on

• Apple Music
• Amazon
• Spotify

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