EX CATHEDRA

Ex Cathedra biography
This was not a progressive group, but rather a project by a group of classically-trained musicians recorded over numerous studio sessions at Cedartree Studios in Ontario, Canada between 1987 and 1994. The lone album from this affair was released under the title 'Ex Cathedra' in 1995, and consists of seven tracks of orchestral music that is augmented throughout with synthesized keyboards, mostly in the form of sound effects and celestial organ. The musicians involved in the project are predominately Canadian, and most have established careers as professional performers in the classical, chamber choral, and formal religious genres.

The term 'ex cathedra' refers to pronouncements from a position of authority that are considered to be infallible by virtue of the position held by the person making the declaration. In medieval times this term sometimes applied to proclamations by royalty, but is typically considered to refer to papal decrees within the Roman Catholic Church. This album is presumably a respectful tribute to that papal authority, and to the Roman Catholic Church in general.

The music on the Ex Cathedra album is in the finest classic tradition (primarily Baroque), with the synthesized keyboards and occasional saxophone giving the music a slightly more modern tinge. The works are mostly instrumental with sporadic female vocals which take on the sound of Gregorian chants or middle-ages church hymns. The CD is still available from classic music outlets and purveyors of collectable music.

Bob Moore (ClemofNazareth)