Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

We reviewers are taught to avoid clichés like the plague but sometimes they hit the nail so firmly that we cannot help ourselves. So, to coin a phrase, this set of CDs does exactly what it says on the tin. These accompaniments were recorded in order to support people who would like to meet to sing and pray together using the songs of Taizé but who have no guitarist or keyboard player and are not confident to sing a cappella. However the CDs can also be listened to as reflective music in their own right. Together, they provide instrumental support for 58 songs, including most of the simpler songs of the Taizé repertoire. These are the songs that can be sung easily by a small group; more complex songs requiring solo singers have not been included. The printed music for these songs and ideas for preparing prayers are available in the CD booklet and on the website www.taize.fr. These recordings were made in the 12th-century village church at Taizé and feature some lovely acoustic guitar playing by Kertesz Annamaria with the melodies being supplied by different combinations of flute, oboe and clarinet. Many years ago, back when Cross Rhythms appeared in print and my beard was not white, I worked with someone who loved the Taizé approach to worship and would await the latest release like a teenager waiting for the next X Factor single at Christmas. I am sure she will love this new collection and will make full use of it in worship. Personally I can take it or leave it although I found the music to be restful and very nice in the background while I do other things. Recommended for all Taizé enthusiasts but perhaps a bit too much for the rest of us.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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