The Ensemble has two basic assets: the remarkable personality of its director and the use of voices trained in such an unconventional setting as the oral tradition of the countries skirting the Mediterranean basin. The result is never disappointing, owning to a rare beauty and attractiveness, especially when the works performed form part of the Gregorian liturgical tradition and others preceding it.

On this occasion, Pérès has chosen to perform a selection of works from a rare manuscript dating from around the mid-12th century, originating from the basilica of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem and thus associated with the Order of the Templars. Of the eight tracks on the CD, the first, the antiphon Crucem sanctam subiit, which recalls the ensign of the members of the Order of the Temple –a red Latin cross– deserves special mention. The same goes for Media vita in morte sumus, another antiphon whose text is about the Christian idea of death. In keeping with the principles of the Templar Order, at least in its origins, the striking sobriety of both these works, as well as the rest of those recorded, makes the Ensemble Organum ideally suited to it, and indeed they do an excellent job here. MARICARMEN GÓMEZ

LE CHANT DES TEMPLIERS
Marcel Pérès
Ensemble Organum
ambroisie AM9997
2006 - 74:23 min.