Gregorian – Masters of Chant: Chapter II (2001): The Iconic Fusion of Chant and Pop
Gregorian is a German music project renowned for its unique reinterpretation of modern pop and rock songs in the style of Gregorian chant, blending classical choral harmonies with contemporary melodies. Their 2001 release, Masters of Chant: Chapter II, is a seminal entry in the series, building on the success of their debut album and solidifying Gregorian’s signature sound on a global scale.
A Brief History of Gregorian
Founded in 1991 by Frank Peterson, Gregorian emerged as a project that fused medieval-style chants with contemporary music, creating a mystical and cinematic sound. Peterson, who had previously collaborated with Enigma and other new age projects, envisioned music that felt sacred yet accessible, using layered choral arrangements, orchestral instrumentation, and Latin-inspired or pseudo-Latin lyrics.
Gregorian quickly gained international acclaim with the first Masters of Chant album (1999), which reimagined modern hits in a chant-inspired style, appealing to both pop music fans and lovers of new age, ambient, and classical music.
Masters of Chant: Chapter II (2001): Expanding the Legacy
Released in 2001, Masters of Chant: Chapter II continued Gregorian’s formula of transforming modern hits into ethereal choral experiences. The album features lush harmonies, layered instrumentation, and cinematic arrangements that turn familiar songs into meditative, mystical versions.
Notable tracks include Gregorian-style renditions of:
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“Moment of Peace” – A new, original composition blending chant with ambient soundscapes
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“Voyage Voyage” (Desireless) – A pop classic reimagined with sacred harmonies
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“Join Me” (in Death, by HIM) – Dark rock transformed into a choral experience
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“In the Shadows” – Iconic melody given a timeless Gregorian atmosphere
The album showcases both reimagined covers and original material, emphasizing Gregorian’s signature mystical and cinematic style while expanding their musical palette.
Critics praised Chapter II for its cohesive production, emotive vocals, and artistic innovation, cementing Gregorian’s reputation as a leader in cross-genre musical reinterpretation.
Gregorian Discography Timeline (Selected)
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1999 – Masters of Chant (Chapter I)
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2001 – Masters of Chant: Chapter II
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2003 – Masters of Chant III
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2005 – Masters of Chant IV
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2007 – Masters of Chant V
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2017 – Masters of Chant: The Platinum Collection
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2020 – 20/2020
This timeline highlights Gregorian’s steady evolution and the expansion of the “Masters of Chant” series into a globally recognized brand.
Top-Selling and Most Influential Gregorian Albums
Gregorian’s most notable and influential albums include:
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Masters of Chant I (1999) – Introduced the Gregorian chant-pop concept
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Masters of Chant: Chapter II (2001) – Built on the success of Chapter I with expanded arrangements
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Masters of Chant III (2003) – Further cemented the group’s international success
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Masters of Chant: The Platinum Collection (2017) – Comprehensive anthology of signature tracks
Among these, Chapter II is widely recognized as a critical step in the series’ development, introducing more ambitious arrangements and broadening the range of songs adapted into the Gregorian style.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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The album includes both covers of contemporary hits and original compositions, making it unique in the series.
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Lyrics are in Latin or pseudo-Latin, enhancing the timeless, mystical quality of the music.
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Frank Peterson, the founder, has described Gregorian’s approach as creating music that transcends language and evokes emotion through melody and harmony alone.
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“Moment of Peace,” one of the standout tracks, became a fan favorite and a staple in Gregorian live performances.
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Gregorian has toured internationally with full choirs and orchestras, performing songs from Chapter II to enthusiastic global audiences.
The Legacy of Masters of Chant: Chapter II
Masters of Chant: Chapter II represents a defining moment for Gregorian, building upon the success of their first album and solidifying the series’ identity. It demonstrates the power of blending ancient chant techniques with modern melodies, creating music that is both timeless and emotionally resonant.
For fans of Gregorian, new age music, or ambient reinterpretations of pop and rock, Chapter II remains a must-listen album, showcasing the mystical and cinematic qualities that have made Gregorian a globally beloved musical project. 🌌🎶
