It’s not often you get to visit a Benedictine monastery founded in 1010 in western France, let alone experience night prayer there on Christmas Eve, chanted in its entirety by the monastic choir in the rich acoustics of their ancient church. That is the rare and unforgettable opportunity afforded by this unique recording. Opening with an organ prelude, this recording contains every part of this traditional liturgical prayer, including the invitatory, hymns, antiphons and psalms, readings and responsory, all beautifully chanted in clear Latin. The Old Testament reading is from Isaiah, while the Gospel reading is the genealogy of Christ from the beginning of Matthew. Join the monks of Solesmes as they celebrate the birth of Jesus at the same time of night that he was born in Bethlehem. “Setting the standard for Gregorian performance.” (American Record Guide)

“Supremely ethereal.”        
—USA Today

“Solesmes sets the standard for Gregorian chant performance.”        
—American Record Guide

“The most famous and ‘authentic’ recordings of Gregorian chant for generations have been those made by the Solesmes monks.”      
—The Boston Globe