Chant Grégorien et Polyphonie Primitive

Released in the early 1980s, this recording emerged from the Soviet-era collaboration between the Estonian ensemble Hortus Musicus and the French label Le Chant Du Monde. Led by violinist and conductor Andres Mustonen, the ensemble was instrumental in bringing early music performance to Soviet audiences, focusing on a vibrant, historically informed approach to medieval and Renaissance repertoire that diverged from the more academic interpretations common in Western Europe at the time.

The album reflects the group's dedication to the stark, monophonic beauty of Gregorian chant alongside the intricate structures of primitive polyphony. By utilizing period-accurate vocal styles and instrumentation, Mustonen sought to emphasize the raw, spiritual intensity of the compositions. Upon its release, the record was well-regarded among early music enthusiasts for its authentic, earthy quality and its contribution to broadening the international profile of Estonian musical talent during the late twentieth century.