Add Pope Benedict to roster of contemporary composers
Who knew? Pope Benedict XVI is a contemporary classical composer. Eight of his works will be included on an album that will also feature his singing of chants and litanies.
I knew about the pontiff's love of Mozart and his occasional piano playing, but not his interest in composing. I haven't come across any details on his music, but the scores are likely to be heard in the best possible light -- performed by no less than the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and recorded in London's fabled Abbey Road Studios (the pope will not be on hand for the session).
The vocal part of the album, which has a Nov. 30 release date (just in time for Christmas shopping), will find His Holiness singing and speaking in Latin, Italian, Portuguese, French and German, backed by a Roman choral ensemble and recorded in St Peter's Basilica.
Proceeds from the recording will be used for music education for underprivileged children around the world, according the Pontiff's label, Geffin/UK Universal.
AP PHOTO OF ROYAL PHILHARMONIC RECORDING POPE BENEDICT'S MUSIC AT ABBEY ROAD STUDIOS
Comments
The Pope's on Geffen... what's next? Now he has something in common with Rufus! (And lots of other famous folks, too!) The icing on the cake is having his music recorded/mixed at Abbey Road, no less. The involvement of the Royal Philharmonic doesn't surprise me -- they often do "crossover" work. They're good sports about these projects. ;^)
Posted by: Doug Halfen | July 31, 2009 6:01 PM
Good lord...
(so to speak) TIM
Posted by: Brian Sacawa | August 1, 2009 9:10 AM
Not that surprising if one keeps in mind that the Pope's brother is longtime director of the Regensburger Domspatzen (Regensburg Cathedral Choir), Georg Ratzinger.
Posted by: Don Ciccio | August 3, 2009 9:29 AM