This 13 track CD appears to be a compilation of earlier recordings by the St Thomas music group in Sevenoaks, under the direction of Margaret Rizza. I have to admit to not being a huge choral music fan, but I have found my two visits to the community in Taizé moving and profound experiences and continue to find the simplicity of Taizé worship a great source of strength and encouragement.
Setting my prejudices of choral music aside, does it “do what is says on the tin”? Some of the music arrangements to accompany the singers are wonderful and uplifting. Where the music as a whole stays within the style and spirit of Taizé, as in Beati, I did feel drawn into worship and reflection, but when it moves into a more traditional choral approach, as in Gloria, I am left feeling a little distant and remote from what I think is intended to be a participative activity. Also some of the music selected is far from peaceful and serene, with sometimes an over use of trumpets as in Bless and Lord, and in Cantate Domino which grows in volume to a full throated rousing song of praise. This wouldn't be a problem if “inspiring” had been included in the title!
If the intention was that the music should offer more than a passive experience, I think the sleeve notes would have benefited from perhaps some themes for prayers, or guidance on how to use silence in between the music. Within the recordings themselves, more use of a cantor might have brought a different way into prayer. Described as “over an hour of reflection, contemplation, peace and serenity”, I am left not sure who this CD is aimed at. Is it for people in church who like this mix of Taizé and choral music or is it aimed at a more mainstream market of those in search for “spirituality” and reflected in CD stands in garden centres?
Andrew Anderson-Gear is Parish Development Adviser for the Buckingham Archdeaconry and a member of Emmanuel Church, Bicester
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TAIZE: CHANT FOR PEACE |
