More chant, less cant. This week I attempt, in my halting way, to demonstrate the development of Oriental Christian chant from the 13th to the 19th century. (It gets more complex.)

"The sounds in these chants are majestic and prolonged... They express the groaning of the repentant soul which sighs in the land of its expulsion for the blessed, longed-for land of eternal joy, of pure divine pleasure...."

Set #1 - 8:00am - 9:30am

1. Disc One: The Founders of Grottaferrata

Ioannas Arvanitis - cantor & director, Alexander Lingas - artistic director, Cappella Romana

Byzantium in Rome: Medieval Byzantine Chant from Grottaferrata

Cappella Romana, CR403-2CD

31'

(Greek hymns from 13th and 14th century manuscripts.)

2. "Liturgy of the Faithful" from The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom: Mediaeval Chant of the Russian Orthodox Church

Bishop Hilarion (Alfeyev) - celebrant, Choir of Danilov Monastery Moscow, Georgy Safonov - director

Christophorus, CHR 77287

42:27

(Chants from 16th century manuscripts.)

Set #2 - 9:30am - 11:00am

3. Matins of the Holy Easter

Archimandrite Matthew (Mormyl) - conductor, Choir of the Trinity-St. Sergius Laura & the Moscow Theological Academy

Melodiya: The Russian Label: Highlights

Melodiya, 74321 27247 2

27'

(19th century homophonic settings. Ring dem bells!)

4. Gregorian Chants, Eternal Chants

Benedictine Monks of the Abbey at Ganagobie

Milan, 73138 35653-2

61'

(A mixed bag. Purists beware! 18th and 20th century organ music interludes!)

Where to buy CDs featured on today's show:

Byzantium in Rome - CD Universe

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom - CD Universe

Matins of Holy Easter - Amazon

Gregorian Chants, Eternal Chants - CD Universe mp3