A sequence of psalms and antiphons for the season of Advent. This album was recorded onsite, at the Pluscarden Abbey. The selection is divided into four uneven parts, which represents the four weeks of Advent.

Timeless chant from the monks of Pluscarden Abbey, the last medieval monastery in Britain. "Fervent, disciplined and committed singing of a high order."

In his isolation from the activity of the world, with the time and opportunity for study and reflection upon the scriptures and conversing with Jesus in prayer, the monk beholds the glory of Jesus. As St Peter said: “Lord, it is wonderful for us to be here”

Much of the music set out on these pages comes from the standard Gregorian repertoire, but adapted to fit words relating to St Columba. A few pieces, however, of which our Magnificat Antiphon is an example, seem to be unique. Could these represent the lost tradition of Celtic Chant, transmitted orally through the centuries, and here preserved for us?

All the singers on this recording are monks. For some items we recorded the entire community singing, excepting nobody at all. If this results in a certain occasional roughness, it is at least the authentic sound of our monastic Choir.

St. Benedict, in his sixth century Rule, makes Easter the central reference point of the whole monastic year. For the Benedictine monks of Pluscarden, then, the importance of the Easter celebration can scarcely be over-stated.