They are all represented by the same record company. Pope Benedict XVI has signed with Geffen Records, the same label with a client list that includes Ashlee Simpson, Snoop Dogg, Guns N’ Roses, Aerosmith and Nirvana.
New album
The Pope plans to release a collection of songs and prayers to the Virgin Mary entitled “Alma Mater.” It will feature chants and prayers along with eight original classical compositions. To prepare for the CD release in November, Benedict’s voice has been recorded in Latin, Italian, Portuguese, French and German in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican and during papal trips abroad.
The Pope has a great voice
The label said listeners would be “shocked” by his “incredible voice. Pope has got almost a lullaby tone to the way he sings,” Geffen’s president Colin Barlow told Britain’s Telegraph newspaper, adding that the album will make a “great Christmas present.”
The album will also feature classical music by an international group of composers of various faiths, including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London.
John Paul II
Charity
A portion of the profits from sales will support music education for underprivileged children around the world. Benedict follows the lead of his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, who released several albums during his 26-year pontificate.
The Charts
It is not the first time a Pope has released an album. In 1982, John Paul II reached number 71 in the charts with The Pilgrim Pope, and, in 1994, his recording of The Rosary peaked at number 50.
The project came about after the label learned earlier this year that Benedict XVI had been working on an album with the Choir of the Philharmonic Academy of Rome.
Colin Barlow, president of Geffen UK, explained: “We travelled to Rome, heard some of the music and realised it was a beautiful piece of music and something that actually could be an incredible record for us to work on. “It’s very much about delivering a really brilliant piece of music and making sure we treat it with the respect it deserves.”
No Studio for the Pope
But Pope Benedict did not go into the studio – the Vatican supplied recordings of his vocals made at official services and also from speeches he made on his foreign trips.
The choir recorded their parts in St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, while the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra recorded the classical backing track in London’s Abbey Road Studios.
The Pope is pleased
Barlow said the Pope was pleased with the progress of the recording. “We’ve had a letter from the Vatican saying that he’s heard the music so far and he’s very happy with what he’s heard,” he added.
Geffen also recently signed Dame Shirley Bassey. The albums of Dame Shirley and the Pope will both be out in time for Christmas.
No word on any collaboration between Snoop and the Pope.
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