Officium CD

The Hilliard Ensemble, known for its serious yet musical approach to plainchant, organum, early polyphony and even contemporary music, breaks new ground here. Added to the normal four male voices is soprano saxophonist Jan Garbarek. What could a saxophonist possibly have to do with vocal music composed before 1650? Not much perhaps, but this combination creates some wonderful and rare colors. Inside the monastery of St. Gerold, these five musicians were not too concerned about the "type" of music they were making; instead they just made music.

Jan Garbarek's sax improvisations arch over the vocal foundation, and the monastery itself is the sixth musician. The natural echoes and fades create seamlessness and add a layer of religious mist to this already spiritual music.

A 20th century instrument, four voices and music composed almost 500 years before their births conjoin to create a timeless sound. If ever there were spacious music, this is it. Garbarek sometimes spins a Kenny G-like melody way above the singers and other times blends almost imperceptibly. Perhaps the music is at its best during the latter case, but throughout this disc, the musicians are fully committed to their craft.