- Main performer: Soeur Marie Keyrouz
- Booklet languages: English, French, German
- Libretto languages: English, French, German
- Time: 71:25
- Release Date: 1992
Review
Chant traditionnel maronite features musicologist and singer Sister Marie Keyrouz backed by L'Ensemble de la Paix, a small band of Arabic instrumentalists that plays under her leadership. Chant traditionnel maronite sounds more closely linked to typically non-Christian Arabic traditional music than does her earlier effort, Chant byzantin, although some might welcome the difference.Maronite chant is a tradition of singing associated with the Maronite church, founded in Syria in the fifth century by Saint Maroun and permitted to retain its own separate liturgy from that of the Roman church. The Maronite church is the primary sect of Christianity observed in Sister Marie Keyrouz's home country of Lebanon, although it is equally as widespread in Northern Syria. The selection of chants presented here is from Maronite services for Christmas, Passiontide, and the Resurrection, with most of these pieces said to have originated in the very early years of Christianity, although the liner notes lack specifics on these matters. There are three short instrumental breaks by L'Ensemble de la Paix to provide contrast, and once in awhile the group's members break into song along with Sister Keyrouz.
Without regard for this music's age or liturgical or historical context, the experience of listening to Chant traditionnel maronite is one of unleavened joy and spiritual energy. Sister Marie Keyrouz has made it her mission to bring together the differing Mediterranean cultures through sacred song, and Chant traditionnel maronite is one of the most successful and satisfying stops to be found along this way. ~ Uncle Dave Lewis, All Music Guide
Performances
| Composer | Title | Time |
| Schubho-Ihaw qolo (Glory to the Word of God) | 1:56 | |
| Taw nimar (Let us come to proclain the happiness of Mary) | 2:06 | |
| Yawno Tlito (The young dove bears the eagle) | 2:07 | |
| Baytun Maghara (A house, manger!) (Baytun Maghara (A house, manger!) / Ya bikra-l-'abi (O Son of the Father, we glorify thee)) | 2:19 | |
| Ya bikra-l-'abi (O Son of the Father, we glorify thee) | ||
| Ho qtilo bmesrén (He who was crucified in Egypt) (Ho qtilo bmesrén (He who was crucified in Egypt) / Ja'al ilahou (God of all centuries, is in our midst) / Nashduka-sh-shoukran) | 2:29 | |
| Ja'al ilahou (God of all centuries, is in our midst) | ||
| Nashduka-sh-shoukran | ||
| Qanoun, variations | 3:48 | |
| Hallel (Hallel to the Son of God) (Hallel (Hallel to the Son of God) / Qadish qadish (Holy is the Lord God) / Mshiho dabyaldéh) | 3:32 | |
| Qadish qadish (Holy is the Lord God) | ||
| Mshiho dabyaldéh | ||
| Ya umma-l-lah (O mother of God, O gentle mother) | 6:07 | |
| Anal-'ummu-l-hazina (I am the afflicted mother) | 6:17 | |
| Nay, variations | 3:21 | |
| Fil-layli (On the eve of his passion) | 2:37 | |
| Bakkara abram (At daybreak Abraham led his only son) | 3:10 | |
| Tisbohto-l-moryo (Upon the Cross, the Son of God gave up the ghost) | 3:34 | |
| Yawmou-sh-sharr (God have mercy) (Yawmou-sh-sharr (God have mercy) / Rabbi-Imadhbouh) | 3:07 | |
| Rabbi-Imadhbouh | ||
| Ud, variations | 3:16 | |
| Ayyouha-r-Rabbou Ilahuna (Ayyouha-r-Rabbou Ilahuna / Fawqa-s-Salib (Upon the Cross the God of the Universe has died) / Moubarakun man fadana (Glory be to him w) | 6:28 | |
| Fawqa-s-Salib (Upon the Cross the God of the Universe has died) | ||
| Moubarakun man fadana (Glory be to him who has redeemed us) | ||
| Tara'at (Mary has appeared before the cross) | 3:44 | |
| Halléluia (Halléluia / Qama-lahou min mathwahou (God is arisen from among the dead) / Qadishat aloho (Holy art thou, God)) | 4:27 | |
| Qama-lahou min mathwahou (God is arisen from among the dead) | ||
| Qadishat aloho (Holy art thou, God) | ||
| Qama wa-d-dhulmu hawa (He is arisen and the darkness has vanished) | 2:28 | |
| Inna-l-masih qad qum | 4:32 |
