Gregorian – Best of 1990–2010 (2011)

Artist: Gregorian
Album: Best of 1990–2010
Released: 2011
Label: Edel Records
Genre: Gregorian chant, Classical crossover, New Age
Producer: Frank Peterson

Overview

Best of 1990–2010 is a two-decade retrospective compilation celebrating Gregorian’s most iconic tracks from 1990 through 2010. The album spans the Masters of Chant series, The Dark Side, and select standalone releases, offering a comprehensive overview of the project’s evolution.

Alongside studio recordings, the compilation highlights the dramatic and cinematic interpretations of pop, rock, and gothic hits that made Gregorian an international success in the classical crossover genre.

Album Credits

Core Team

Frank Peterson – producer, arranger, concept creator
Jan-Eric Kohrs – co-producer, engineer
Gregorian Choir – male vocal ensemble

Production

Produced in Germany
Released via Edel Records
Orchestration and programming handled by Peterson’s production team

Tracklist (Highlights)

Nothing Else Matters (Metallica cover)
In the Air Tonight (Phil Collins cover)
Bring Me to Life (Evanescence cover)
Hurt (Nine Inch Nails / Johnny Cash cover)
Engel (Rammstein cover)
Boulevard of Broken Dreams (Green Day cover)
Join Me (HIM cover)
My Immortal (Evanescence cover)
The Sound of Silence (Simon & Garfunkel cover)
Tears in Heaven (Eric Clapton cover)
The Unforgiven (Metallica cover)
Fix You (Coldplay cover)
Angels (Robbie Williams cover)
Stairway to Heaven (Led Zeppelin cover)
Running Up That Hill (Kate Bush cover)

Some editions may include bonus tracks or alternate versions.

Musical Style & Sound

Signature male Gregorian-style choir
Atmospheric orchestration and cinematic production
Mix of classic rock, modern alternative, pop ballads, and gothic material
Balanced between slow, reflective tracks and dramatic, powerful reinterpretations

The compilation captures the versatility and evolution of Gregorian over two decades.

Key Highlights

🎵 Nothing Else Matters

Metallica’s iconic ballad remains one of Gregorian’s most beloved interpretations.

🎵 Bring Me to Life

A gothic-rock classic reimagined with solemn choral harmonies.

🎵 Hurt

A haunting reinterpretation blending emotion with cathedral-like acoustics.

🎵 The Sound of Silence

Showcases Gregorian’s ability to transform folk-rock classics into atmospheric chant.

Fun Facts & Trivia

This compilation was created to celebrate 20 years of Gregorian music, though the project officially began in 1991.
Many tracks are remastered or slightly rearranged to unify the sound across two decades.
Includes selections from both Masters of Chant and thematic albums like The Dark Side.
The album is ideal for newcomers seeking a comprehensive overview of Gregorian’s most famous material.

Did You Know?

Gregorian has sold millions of albums worldwide, making this compilation a showcase of their global success.
Some of the tracks in this compilation, like Engel and Bring Me to Life, are staples of Gregorian’s live performances.
The compilation helped cement the Masters of Chant series as a long-standing classical crossover brand.

Commercial Performance

Charted in Germany and Central Europe
Strong sales due to the retrospective appeal and broad fanbase
Reinforced Gregorian’s market presence and touring potential

Critical Reception

Praised for:

Comprehensive overview of two decades of work
High-quality remastering and arrangements
Strong selection of fan-favorite tracks

Criticism:

Mostly previously released material, with few new additions
Some critics felt the compilation lacked fresh innovation

Legacy

Best of 1990–2010 serves as both a milestone and a gateway into Gregorian’s music. It summarizes the project’s evolution from early pop/rock reinterpretations to full-scale gothic and cinematic arrangements, providing fans with a curated selection of highlights.