Album insights
Experience ancient music in its most contemplative and meditative form with the Papal Choir of the Sistine Chapel's new album on Deutsche Grammophon. Dedicated to Gregorian chants and polyphonic compositions for the Advent and Christmas season, the world's oldest choir presents premiere recordings by renowned composers such as Palestrina, Nanino, and Allegri within the extraordinary acoustics of the Sistine Chapel. Delving into a profound musical contemplation on the birth of Christ, this unique album features a historic collaboration with the renowned mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli, the first woman ever invited to join the choir for a recording. In a touching musical dialogue with male and children's voices in the medieval piece "Beata viscera" by Perotin, Cecilia Bartoli showcases her intense expressiveness. Drawing listeners into a Christmas experience rich in contemplative depth, emotional power, and profound spirituality, the album weaves intricate harmonies with finesse and transparency, culminating in a soft, harmonious blend of voices.