Coptic Liturgies (Egypt)

Coptic Liturgies (Egypt)

Artist: David Ensemble
Item number: AK008
Category: Other Eastern
Chant Type: Coptic
Language: Egyptian
Label: Inst. Du Monde Arabe
Period: Mixed
Length: 79'53
Release date: 1999
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Price: $18.98 USD
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1. Hiten ni

2. Amen ton thananton

3. Hos erof

4. Abo oro

5. Agios

6. O nim nai

7. Le Golgotha

8. Aripsalin

9. e agapi

10. Ti epistoli

11. Chenouda

12. Ton sina


The traditional songs and chants of this Egyptian Christian minority known as the copts are scarcely known to the general public. The name Copt comes from the Greek word Aegytoe. Long confined to the secrecy of their religious services, this music only came to light again in the early 20th century. It centers around three Masses, of which the Mass of St. Basil and that of St. Gregory of Naziance are the main ones. They are sung in unison, their distinguishing feature being their very long sentences, chanted and sung in measured scansion or marked by the metallic ring of a lone instrument known as the naqus (triangle). The David Ensemble, founded in 1975 by George Kirollos, aims to revive this repertory based on old hymns and psalms, all rendered more beautiful by the singers impressive vocal effects.

By: Fr. Apostolos Hill

This collection of Coptic liturgical hymns is a near-hypnotic listening experience, very prayerful, and representative of the deep spirituality of the Coptic Orthodox Church. While the music at first seems to lack some of the ornamentation of Byzantine hymnology, it is highly nuanced, precise yet unpretentious, and reverent. The Ensemble itself is tremendously talented and very nicely balanced, the soloist offering an effective counterpoint to the chorus. The naqus (triangle) never seems to get in the way, instead quietly remaining in the background offering a rhythmic consistency to the chorus. You will very likely not notice it immediately. I suspect that this recording will very rapidly grow on the listener with each subsequent hearing.