Awake at Last

Mixes Western chant, East Indian and Afro-Caribbean styles
Camaldolese Benedictine Father Cyprian Consiglio travels widely, and it shows. His latest compositions exude the flavor of his favorite international destinations. Mixing Western chant, East Indian and Afro-Caribbean styles, Awake at Last sings of the dying to sin and rising to life in Christ we celebrate every spring.

16 new hymns, psalms and more for Lent, Easter and Pentecost
The collection furnishes 16 new hymns, psalms, Gospel acclamations and more for liturgies throughout Lent, Easter and Pentecost. Intended for contemporary liturgical ensembles, many songs feature arrangements for piano, guitar, oboe and percussion.

Meditative, chant-based music; John Pennington on percussion
Eclectic and meditative in style, the music is chant-based and -inspiredchant in the broadest sense of the word. There are intimations of the island sound Cyprian loves and borrowings from Hindu bhajans or devotional songs. The recording features John Pennington, Cyprians long-time musical partner, playing a variety of exotic percussion, adding to the global flavor.

Cyprians new arrangement and translation of Attende Domine
The collection opens with Attende Domine, Cyprians new translation and arrangement of the traditional Gregorian hymn. Featuring refrain in Latin and verses in English, this gentle song mingles acoustic guitar and soft, subtle percussion, including chimes with wonderful overtones. Its a call to prayer and, of course, repentance.

Gospel-style psalms and a powerful Litany of the Holy Cross
The title track is a four-part a cappella piece for Easter. A gospel-style setting of Psalm 139, it affirms Christs promise to be with you always. Other psalm settings include 27, 34, 51 and 130. The seven-and-a-half minute Litany of the Holy Cross is a powerful new work for Good Friday. Two Gospel acclamations and a Palm Sunday processional round out the collection.

Fosters contemplative experiences through music
The explicit goal of Cyprians ministry is to foster contemplative experiences through music, meditation and the study of sacred texts. Awake at Last certainly does this. Offering meditative music and Scripture-based texts, it fosters prayer, contemplation of the paschal mysteries, and full participation of the faithful throughout Lent and Easter.