By now you’ve undoubtedly heard of the Benedictines of Mary–and likely have heard some part of this or one of their earlier recordings. It’s hard not to be captivated by the pure, unadorned beauty of these female voices, so well-tuned and matched in a true embodiment of the “one voice” ideal that many choirs and their directors aspire to and work hard to attain. But, aside from this group’s Billboard-chart sales success and online media attention, there’s one important thing to keep in mind, to keep what seems like a phenomenon in perspective: the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles is nothing more or less than a very fine women’s choir that specializes in a particular type of repertoire.
This is not to take anything away from their lovely singing, their artistry, or their very special camaraderie–and indeed, the obvious spiritual experience that’s inherent in their singing. Rather, it’s to make a point, and to call attention to the fact that there are many similarly first-rate women’s choirs–undeservedly lesser-known ones–that perform and record a vast array of repertoire, including the sort we find here. So, if you like the sound of this, you owe it to yourself to investigate the world of women’s choral music beyond. (The website singers.com lists more than 140 recordings–a good place to start.)
The program includes ancient chants and familiar church hymns along with original musical settings by the Benedictines of Mary of revered religious texts. In fact some of the disc’s most attractive pieces are arrangements by the Benedictines–including Hosanna to the Son of David, Divine Physician, Mother of Sorrows, and the gorgeous program-ending My Mercy, any of which would make a desirable addition to a women’s choir concert. (So far, it seems that these arrangements are not available in published, purchase-able form.)
While all of the works here are credited, either to a composer or arranger, or to the general category of anonymously written chant or attributed to “the Benedictines”, there is one hymn–God of Mercy and Compassion–that’s curiously listed as composed by Pergolesi. I can’t resist mentioning that on a choral performance trip to the medieval town of Palafrugell on the Mediterranean coast of Catalonia several years ago, I was handed the music to a song that is dear to the Catalan people, titled “La dama de Mallorca”, by Baltasar Bibiloni–which is exactly the same tune (and harmony!) as the above-mentioned “God of Mercy”, supposedly by Pergolesi. This beautiful song (“A Mallorca hi ha una dama que és hermosa com el sol…”) stuck in my ear ever since I first heard it (sung by the local children’s choir), and no matter who composed it, I assure you that you won’t forget it either.
At first you will be taken with the resonant sound, recorded at the Priory of Our Lady of Ephesus; but after 20 minutes or so, your ear may start to tire and wish for just a bit drier ambience. But put this disc on in the background and it will ease you quietly and calmly and peacefully through an evening’s winding down after a stressful day. I’m afraid that the sameness of the sound and repertoire will not promise this group an extended recording career, but the sincerity and musical worthiness of its effort will enrich the experience of many listeners–and hopefully will encourage them to explore the readily available and infinitely rewarding wider domain of women’s choral music.
