Hymns

Beth Nielsen Chapman's "Hymns" is a gorgeous recording. Like Iris DeMent's "Lifeline," Chapman sings religious songs from her upbringing that are still meaningful today. Obviously, those of us who have been enthralled by Chapman's secular work have to know going into this CD that while "Hymns" still boasts her gorgeous voice and sterling musicianship, hearing a hymn sung in Latin is going to be quite a different musical experience than listening to "World of Hurt" from "Deeper Still." However, Chapman's work has always been imbued with a deeply-felt spirituality. Hearing "Veni Veni Emmanuel" with its soft chant-like melody and background chorus does give one a sense of reverence. "O Salutaris Hostia" is so lovely with its angelic chorus that one can almost visualize the elegant chorus ringing out in a chapel. Sometimes Chapman approaches the music solely in voice; oftentimes a quiet guitar backs the lovely melodies as on "O Sanctissima." "Salve Regina" has an angelic choir...Read more

This is not your traditional album of a uniformed choir singing hymms per some definition of how songs should be sung. This is a beautiful album of letting the songs sing for themselves. The artist lets the songs lead the way and the words and songs are breathtaking. Awesome in their gentleness and sensitivity. I could listen to her voice forever. This is an album that will reach out and touch you and such that you will not forget. All albums should be so good. This hits your heart.
david

I listened to an interview with Beth on NPR just the other day describing and playing cuts from her new CD, Hymns. I had to stop the car and pull over. I had never heard hymns like this sung in this heartfelt form. I cried. I couldn't help it. Stunningly beautiful. The ressurection of these pre-Vatican II Latin hymns (something unfamiliar to me) is sung in a rich, clean and beautiful form that I doubt was ever heard when 'popular' back then.