Gregorian A Concept Band Of Monks Originating From Germany
Gregorian is a German concept band that has achieved significant international recognition for its unique and atmospheric musical style. Despite the visual presentation of the performers, the members are not actual monks who have taken religious vows of faith or prayer. While the group draws heavy inspiration from the tradition of Gregorian chant, they do not prioritize strict historical or liturgical authenticity. Instead, their performances feature professional instrumental backing and flamboyant, highly produced arrangements of contemporary pop songs, creating a distinct aesthetic that successfully blends ancient choral traditions with modern pop production and a touch of new-age mysticism.
The origins of the project are deeply rooted in the 1990 Enigma album, MCMXC a.D., which was the brainchild of Michael Cretu. Cretu sought to create a worldbeat, new-age record and brought in collaborators David Fairstein and Frank Peterson to assist with the project. Frank Peterson, who would go on to found Gregorian after the completion of that highly successful Enigma LP, gained valuable experience during this time. Significantly, the Enigma record famously utilized digitally manipulated samples of actual Gregorian chants, which can be heard on the project’s massively popular first single, Sadeness Pt1.
The first Gregorian album, Sadisfaction, was released in 1991 and featured two female lead vocalists. However, the project soon underwent a significant evolution. Frank Peterson decided to re-establish the group as an all-male choir, placing a much greater emphasis on choral voicings than had been present in the initial release. This transition marked the beginning of the long-running Masters of Chant series of albums. To maintain the high standards of the group, Peterson personally oversees the production of the backing tracks and recruits his vocalists from the ranks of eminent cathedral choirs and prestigious classical institutes. While the choir members wear traditional monk-like robes during their live concerts, the overall stage presentation is designed to mirror the energy and spectacle of a pop concert rather than the solemn atmosphere of a church pew.
Gregorian’s debut album was clearly influenced by the production approach used by Enigma, yet Peterson made a crucial tactical shift by utilizing live singers rather than relying on digitally manipulated samples for the choral parts. This decision was particularly prudent given the legal history of the Enigma project, which had been sued by the German choir Capella Antiqua München for the unauthorized use of their vocal recordings, a matter that was eventually settled through a financial payout. By using professional vocalists, Gregorian established a sustainable model that allowed them to continue for many years.
Watch the full performance on page two
