The Coming of Christ is the first of a series of three CDs using the exquisite music of Gregorian chant to describe and illuminate the life of Christ. Sung by the Gloriæ Dei Cantores Schola and conducted by Dr. Mary Berry, CBE, these reknowned experts bring a wealth of experience to the interpretation of the chant. Well-known pieces alternate with numerous antiphons to bring us closer to the time of Christ's birth and early childhood. The prophetic announcements, the longing and anticipation of Christ's birth as well as the joy of the angels' message are all vividly portrayed in the chant. Chant-based organ works by French composers Alexandre Guilmant and Charles-Marie Widor frame this program celebrating the life of Christ. These are the first recordings to be made in the superb acoustics of the Church of the Transfiguration, a basilican church made of limestone, in a modern-day abbey.

Track List: Coming of Christ:

Offertoire Sur L'Hymne: Creator Alme Siderum
Responsory: Aspiciens a longe
Rorate caeli desuper
Antiphon: O Emmanuel
Communion: Ecce virgo
Antiphon: Missus est Gabriel; Ave Maria; Ne timeas, Maria; Dabit ei Dominus; Ecce ancilla Domini
Offertory: Ave Maria
Antiphon and Solemn Benedictus: Puer qui natus est
Invitatory: Christus natus est
Introit: Puer natus est nobis
Alleluia: Dies sanctificatus
Antiphon: Quem vidistis
Antiphon: Genuit puerpera
Antiphon: Angelus ad pastores
Antiphon: Facta est cum Angelo
Antiphon: Parvulus filius
Hymn: Christe Redemptor
Responsory: Verbum caro factum est
Antiphon and Solemn Magnificat: Hodie Christus natus est
Antiphon: Mirabile mysterium
Communion: Responsum
Antiphon: Lumen ad revelationem gentium
Gradual: Omnes de Saba venient
Communion: Vidimus stellam
Antiphon: Admoniti Magi
Antiphon: Herodes iratus
Communion: Tolle puerum
Antiphon: Ex Aegypto
Antiphon: Ibant parentes Jesu
Antiphon: Non invenientes
Antiphon: Fili quid fecisti
Antiphon: Descendit Jesus
Symphonie Gothique: IV. Final (Allegro)