Masters of Chant Chapter V by Gregorian

Masters of Chant Chapter V is the 2006 instalment in Gregorian's long series of chant covers. This time the choir reaches for big rock anthems and adds guest singers, including Sarah Brightman. I came back to it for the way it turns stadium songs into something hushed and reverent.

Why listen?

The arrangements are stately and spacious, layered voices over soft orchestration. The production is polished and warm, made for candlelight rather than the arena. Hearing a famous rock anthem slowed to chant reveals a longing the loud original raced past. There is a calm grandeur here, sorrow and beauty in equal measure. It is music for the quiet end of the day.

Favourite song: Heroes

The Bowie anthem, reborn as a slow, soaring chant with Sarah Brightman's voice rising above the choir. It trades the original's urgency for something more like prayer.

The moment her voice lifts over the gathered choir feels like light pouring through a high window. It reminds me of stepping into a cool, vaulted church after hours on the road, the noise of the world suddenly gone. The song was always about defiant hope, and sung this way it sounds almost sacred.

Key takeaway

Masters of Chant Chapter V is a grand, reverent reworking of songs you thought you knew. Best heard whole and unhurried.

Tracklist

• Heroes
• Comfortably Numb
• Send Me an Angel
• Silent Lucidity
• Lady in Black
• The Forest
• A Weakened Soul
• Lucky Man
• Stop Crying Your Heart Out
• We Love You
• Boulevard of Broken Dreams
• The Unforgiven
• I Feel Free

Details

Listen on

• Apple Music
• Amazon
• Spotify

Enjoyed this post?

Well, you could share the post with others, follow me via Social Media or RSS Feeds and/or send me a comment via email.

Tags