It's one of the most secretive meetings in the world. When the doors of the Sistine Chapel close, only cardinals and Michel Angelo's frescoes witness the election of a Pope.
Now thanks to a new CD, released by Vatican Radio and the Pontifical Sistine Chapel Choir, people can -hear- the music, melodies and hymns that were sung during those few days that forever marked the history of the Church.
MIRKO GRATTON
Universal Music
'Itâ??s the first time that you can listen to the music of the conclave. Itâ??s a Gregorian chant of course, because this is the tradition of our Church, but itâ??s not only just Gregorian chant.â?
Titled 'Habemus Papam' the two part CD includes music from the Mass of the election of the Pope, entry into the conclave and even the famous first speech given by the Pope.
Msgr. Massimo Palombella is the Choirmaster of the Sistine Chapel. He says the CD isn't just about good music. At it's very core, it's about evengelization.
MSGR. MASSIMO PALOMBELLA
Sistine Chapel Choirmaster
'The Sistine Chapel choir has an ecclesiastical mission. If it was just about playing good music, the Holy See couldn't justify the budget it spends to keep the choir alive. At its core it's about evangelizing through music.â?
More than a collection of songs and speeches, it's being described as the first musical documentation of a conclave. The audio recordings were done live by Vatican Radio, so one can hear background noise, camera clicks, and even helicopters circling above St. Peter's Square.
MIRKO GRATTON
Universal Music
'To bring this atmosphere to potentially millions of people is something that we believe is exceptional.â?
The release also has official studio recordings carried out by the Sistine Chapel Choir, which includes music that was specifically composed for Papal celebrations, centuries ago. The CD is already available in Italy. It will be released internationally on November 28th.
KLH
AA
VM
-PR
Up: MPI
