This is footage from The Fraternity's unreleased music video for their album “Requiem.” The group is comprised of members from the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter's, a Catholic society that seeks to preserve liturgical tradition and music.
As singing is part of their formation, “Requiem” was an unexpected album, which is comprised of traditional chants they are accustomed to singing.
FR. ZACHARY AKERS
Director, The Fraternity
“We didn't set out to produce an album, we sing Gregorian chant, that's one of many things we do. The thing about the album is that it's a great variety of different types of Gregorian chants and sacred polyphonies. There are some psalms that are chanted, and more ornate gradual tracks where the music is very, very interesting.”
As these charts show, their album has reached number one on the classical Billboard list, a feat that surprised them.
FR. ZACHARY AKERS
Director, The Fraternity
“I was hoping of course it was received well by Catholic world. It was surprising for me that also in the secular media people were really amazed at this music. So I am so happy to bring this music where otherwise they might not have known it, because it's such a beautiful connection to our heritage.”
Father Akers explains that it is a powerful album, meant to bring healing and attachment to faith, because “Requiem” is used for funeral masses.
FR. ZACHARY AKERS
Director, The Fraternity
“My hope is that it will bring people closer to God. Certainly when you read the Latin texts and you realize what they're singing this music is powerful. It's almost inspired music. It's centuries old music as part of our heritage as Catholics.”
While there are no concrete plans in place for a future album, they will continue to sing and see where it leads.
