Track Listing

1. BEATI 1:Pro curatis (For those that are cared for)
2. BEATI 2:Pro alios curantibus (For those that care for others)
3. BEATITUDE 1: Beati pauperes (Blessed are the poor)
4. BEATITUDE 2: Beati mundo corde (Blessed are the pure of heart)
5. BEATITUDE 3: Beati qui esuriunt (Blessed are the hungry)
6. BEATITUDE 4: Beati qui lugent (Blessed are those that mourn)
7. BEATITUDE 5: Beati qui persecutionem (Blessed are the persecuted)
8. BEATITUDE 6: Beati misericordes (Blessed are the merciful)
9. BEATITUDE 7: Beati mites (Blessed are the meek)
10. BEATITUDE 8: Beati pacifici (Blessed are the peacemakers)
11. BEATI 3: Pro eis solitariis (For the lonely)
12. BEATI 4: Pro eis sine domo (For the stateless)

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #460 in Music
• Released on: 2009-03-23
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .23 pounds
• Running time: 67 minutes

CD Description
Classic FM presents `Howard Goodall's Enchanted Voices', the stunning new album of contemporary chant from their celebrated Composer-in-Residence. Howard is undoubtedly one of the world's pre-eminent and versatile contemporary composers - from TV themes including Blackadder, Mr Bean and The Vicar of Dibley; through West End and Broadway musicals; a BAFTA award-winning TV documentary on the history and theory of music; and his prodigious writing of choral music including 2007's Eternal Light: A Requiem.

Enchanted Voices features 8 young sopranos sourced by Howard, who normally sing with choirs like The Sixteen and The Monteverdi, to capture an ethereal and angelic vocal set against an interweaving solo cello and occasional handbells. The album includes eight `Beatitudes', blessed chants from the Book of Matthew, for groups whose actions or burdens single them out for tribute from Christ. His arrangements of biblical prose include `Beati Pauperes (Blessed are the Poor)' and Beati Mundo Corde (Blessed are the Pure of Heart). There are also 4 new "Beatitudes" composed entirely by Howard, including `Pro curatis (For those that are cared for)' and `Pro Eis Sine Domo (For the stateless)', which sit alongside the original, flawless chants. In looking to fuse a modern approach to the style of ancient chants, it is undoubtedly this exploration that makes the collection such a unique and enchanting album.

Customer Reviews

Exquisitely beautiful from start to finish
I am so very pleased with this CD. It is utterly captivating and I get goosebumps every time I listen to it. This is modern chant for female voices, most of it accompanied very sensitively and delicately by organ, cello and bells. It is especially meaningful to read through the corresponding liner notes while listening.

This is healing music for the soul, truly inspired. I didn't know of Howard Goodall's music before, but will certainly be exploring his other works. I would put this disk at the top of my list of must-haves.

I was Enchanted.....
I had heard this CD previewed on Classic FM, and though attracted by the track they featured, I had learnt the hard way, that sometimes the ploy is to always use the best track, to hook and reel in the buyers. But my verdict this time? I'm happy to report that this was one fish, well and truly pleased to be reeled in. It's lovely.

Chant, I've found in the past can become quite "samey" as you go from track to track, but this remains fresh throughout, perhaps because of the musical accompaniment to compliment the voices, which unaccompanimented chant can sometimes feel repetitive without.

The voices are delightful (corny word I know) but my point is, that I usually like to wind up my husband (who is a great lover of all things classical), by saying that I don't like women with screechy voices, just as he's in the middle of listening to some famous opera singer or the like. These voices though sharp and not adverse to hitting the odd high note, are more beautiful; spiritual, and angelic than that. They're powerful but serene, if that's not a contadiction in terms.
I've burned the CD to my laptop, and use the original disc on my CD Walkman or in the car. It goes with me everywhere at the moment, just to keep me thoroughly chilled. Now if only I could get it piped into my workplace......!!!!!

Simply Stunning
I, too, had heard the excerpts on CLASSIC fM and that is what inspired me to buy this CD. I think it is a triumph. I did not find it 'samey' as I think each Beatitude has been approached individually, although there are personal favourites of course. Usually, you would expect choirboys to be performing this kind of thing but the beautiful, very clear, women's voices work perfectly.
I was very lucky to win a pair of tickets from CLASSIC fM to a small concert at which Howard Goodall, with Enchanted Voices, performed 4 of the Beatitudes. He explained his concept for his four new 'Beatitudes' that are relevant to today's world - 'for the stateless', 'for those that care for others', 'for those that are cared for' and 'for those that are lonely' - and was very careful to say that he wasn't implying that Jesus had left anything out! It was thrilling and I like the CD even more now. What a wonderful talent this man has.