"Masters Of Chant Chapter IV" press-release

"It's the beginning of a new chapter."
There is simply no better way of introducing this profile. It invites aficionados and newcomers alike on a journey into a mysterious world of music that for some begins here but for others is finally continuing. This true story as told below was written by Frank Peterson, the man who christened the phenomenon "Gregorian - Masters Of Chant".
In 1996, Hamburg producer Frank Peterson had the ingenious idea of combining the chants of medieval monks with modern pop songs and arranging the results for a Gregorian choir.
Strange as it may sound, for thousands of fans the unique sound of this extraordinary project represented the musical event of the millennium; between 1999 and 2000 the first two albums in the Masters Of Chant series each sold a million copies, going gold in a number of countries. Nor did the Gregorian success train stop with the release of chapter three in 2001, which also went gold recently.
So who exactly is behind the singing monks? What is the key to this unusually successful project that has now evolved into a stage phenomenon with huge global appeal? And how many German artists can boast three gold discs in succession?
Hoods off: Jan-Eric Kors, Carsten Heusmann, Michael Soltau and, of course, Frank Peterson are the talented men behind the outstanding production of the Gregorian albums I - IV. Already an established producer from his work with acts including Enigma and Sarah Brightman, Peterson knew exactly how to combine mystical acoustic environments with popular formats.
Gregorian remains a world wrapped in secrecy and anyone who thinks the singing monks' repertoire is no more than a random selection of producer-polished covers is making a mighty mistake.
"The selection process is not easy, as you're never sure which songs work with Gregorian," explains producer Carsten Heumann. "Gregorian harmony uses just seven tones. Any song containing semitones is no longer considered," reveals Frank Peterson. This meant having to completely rearrange past classics such as Elton John's "Sacrifice" and only after the song material, like so often since, was subjected to endless discussions.
But the team is not shy of the big league. Top hits from Pink Floyd, New Order, Toto or Chris Isaak, Duran Duran, Neil Diamond and Depeche Mode enjoyed a new lease of life thanks to Gregorian.
This is certainly also due to the unmistakable sound that marks each production. The vocals for most of the Gregorian albums were recorded at Angel Studio, a converted church in London. "This environment is ideal for the vocals, because the main recording room itself has a very 'Gregorian' sound," reports producer Jan-Eric Kors. The team can also rely on the professional support of a long list of guest artists including Sarah Brightman and Christopher von Deylen from Hamburg dance duo Schiller.
World-famous guitarist Peter Weihe has always given Gregorian a distinctive sound, and again made an enormous input to the production of the last album. "With a wealth of talent and atmospheric sounds," according to producer Michael Soltau, he "turned old recordings into inspiring sessions."
But enough about the past. Time to join the English monastery choir as they take on new challenges for the new Gregorian album "Masters Of Chant Chapter IV".
The album boasts a hugely impressive track listing from Paul Simons "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and John Lennon's "Imagine" to Vangelis' "I'll Find My Way Home" and Robbie Williams' "Angels". The Gibb brothers are represented with "World", the Beatles with "For No One", Howard Jones with "Hide And Seek" and Pink Floyd with "High Hopes". The album also features one original track, Carsten Heusmann's "The Gift", and a version of Coldplay's chart-topping "Clocks".
A refreshing dynamism, frequently expressed in driving rhythms and guitar solos, gives these tracks an irresistible appeal. The dignified, profound character of the monks' choir - the original inspiration for both the project and this album - remains very prominent, however.
In this case, Gregorian is supported by a new, flexible but solid musical foundation that in turns captivates and relaxes the listener. Listeners are bathed in impressions of living, breathing and cascading walls of reverberating sound and lovingly arranged melodies.
For fans of mystical music, playing this ingenious CD opens up the fourth chapter in the success story of Gregorian. With a sensitive, measured approach while maintaining a cool distance, Frank Peterson and his singing monks tell a Gregorian story of fabulously arranged pop music. It is shrouded in mystery, but lives from a wealth of unique ideas, musical experience and GOLD.
After all - and this is no longer a secret - for Gregorian, the golden age is well and truly upon us.

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