For those not in the classical know, The Cistercian monks of Stift Heiligenkreuz are an order of Catholic monks that live in the heart of Vienna. While monks in many monasteries chant, Heiligenkreuz is particularly proud of its singing, which has been honed over years by one of the monks, who used to direct choirs in Germany. In 2008, the order gained considerable attention for the major label release of a CD of Gregorian chant, called Chant: Music for the Soul.

On the other hand, Timna Brauer is an Austrian-Israeli singer-songwriter, and the daughter of painter, writer and singer Arik Brauer. She is married to the Israeli pianist Elias Meiri with whom she collaborates. Both have Yemenite Jewish roots and she even represented Austria at the Eurovision Song Contest 1986, singing "Die Zeit Ist Einsam" (English: Time is Lonely).

Introducing a unique cross-faith musical collaboration, the Monks form a unique musical partnership with best-selling Jewish vocalist, Timna Brauer herself a household name in Austria on the beautiful, truly delightful Chant For Peace. Chant For Peace combines Timnas expertise in Jewish sacred music with the Gregorian Chant from the Christian monastic tradition and is one completely hypnotic, haunting, mesmerizing set of music. Combining a powerful, potent message of peace, uniting different religions on one album, Chant For Peace was recording at the end of February timed to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II.

In closing, Chants For Peace, as a recording, speaks to the need to die to oneself in the praise of the Divine; as recommended in Protestant Christian, Buddhist, and Hindu traditions. Therein, I would highly recommend this to anyone interested in an auditory representation of humanity's desire to connect with the Divine, especially someone looking for something that would aid devotion or meditation.