A Treasury of Sacred Music

Fans of the popular Gregorian chant CD series that took the music world by storm years ago will enjoy listening to "A Treasury of Sacred Music," which features the harmonious voices of the Choirs of St. Joseph's Seminary. It is an exultant and inspirational recording.

Filled with melodic, uplifting song selections that could move even the most staunch non-believer, the CD varies between striking slightly somber tones ("In Monte Oliveti" is a good example) to hauntingly beautiful, deeper-textured and more complex recordings. One listen to "Ave Verum" and "Salve Regina" will clarify that point. While it is true that there are derivative moments ("O Sacred Head", for instance, in part sounds as if lifted straight from the melody of Simon & Garfunkel's "An American Tune"), the overall feeling created for the listener is that of having a front row seat to a truly uplifting emotional experience. The individual pieces, equal in part as a prayer and a song, combine to indeed make a joyful noise.