CD review

As a chanting parishioner more easily identified as a lowing cow than a member of the choir of angels, I asked our priest where I could get the liturgy on CD or online to improve my lamentable efforts. He told me about the CDs I hold in my hand right now (well not right now, or I wouldn't be able to type).

"The Divine Liturgies of Our Holy Fathers John Chrysostom and Basil the Great" is huge (7 CDs) and cheap (often costing less than a single CD). There is no doubting that it is complete; you'll hear the same sections of the liturgy in different progressions so that if you want a ready reference this would be it. For in the car listening it might be a bit repetitive (do I really need the Thrice Holy Hymn chanted to me 6 times in a row?), but as it has some good examples ot the tones, I plan to use it to teach the kids prayers at home. Most parents would not be surprised to hear that prayers sung are more quickly and happily learned by their children than rote prose recitation. It is also a bit more formal than many would be used to in their parish. Carpathian plainchant tends to be more earthy than these CDs would lead you to believe.