Alma Mater: Featuring The Voice of Pope Benedict XVI Deluxe Edition

Music From The Vatican (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 23, 2009)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Decca Records
• ASIN: B002Q4RLEG
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #189,176 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Sancta Dei Genitrix

2. Mater Ecclesiae

3. Advocata Nostra

4. Benedicta Tu

5. Causa Nostrae Letitiae

6. Auxilium Cristianorum

7. Regina Coeli

8. Magistra Nostra

Editorial Reviews

Alma Mater collects eight original pieces of modern classical music and features the voice of Pope Benedict XVI speaking and singing in Latin, Italian, Portuguese, French, and German. The Pope is accompanied by The Choir of the Philharmonic Academy of Rome and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, recorded at Abbey Road studios in London. This release marks first time the Pope s voice has been captured on disc. I am convinced that music really is the universal language of beauty which can bring together all people of good will on earth. -- Pope Benedict XVI Format: CD/DVD Combo Publisher/Mfg: Ignatius Press UPC: 028947636649 Mfg Code: AMCWS-M Track Listing: 1. Sancta Dei Genitrix (Holy Mother of God) 6:39 2. Mater Ecclesiae (Mother of the Church) 5:23 3. Advocata Nostra 4. Benedicta Tu (You Are Blessed) 6:41 5. Causa Nostrae Laetitiae 6:34 6. Auxilium Christianorum (Mary Help of Christians) 4:05 7. Regina Coeli (Queen of Heaven) 6:53 8. Magistra Nostra 7:44

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Lovely moments, November 27, 2009

By 

Marcello - See all my reviews

This review is from: Alma Mater: Featuring The Voice of Pope Benedict XVI Deluxe Edition (Audio CD)

I wanted to give this five stars and praise it as a masterpiece, if only to counteract some of the lousy reviews it's been receiving in the press. But it's not a masterpiece -- it's just pretty good. There are definitely some lovely moments on this disc, my favorites being the wonderful pieces featuring the Moroccan (and Muslim) composer Nour Eddine. The remaining compositions are well-produced but seem to lack inspiration. The Pope's singing voice is pleasant, but his speaking voice seems terribly out of place on this disc. The packaging, including a book with translations, is quite nice. But the DVD is a slight documentary, not even thirty minutes long and not at all insightful. You won't be missing much if you purchase the CD-only package. All in all, it's an enjoyable release, but I feel that it could have been -- and should have been -- much better.

5.0 out of 5 stars Music that Moves the Spirit, February 10, 2010

By 

J. Christopher Coxon (Dallas, TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Alma Mater: Featuring The Voice of Pope Benedict XVI Deluxe Edition (Audio CD)

The music from this album moves the spirit. You can close your eyes and be transported to another world. The words of the Holy Father call all of mankind to come in closer union with God and themselves.

5.0 out of 5 stars Love it!, February 3, 2010

By 

Debra P. Di Lollo "Debby DiLollo" (Green Brook, NJ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Alma Mater: Featuring The Voice of Pope Benedict XVI Deluxe Edition (Audio CD)

I cannot say anything more. I love this CD. Are you stressed? Listen to this. Are you worried? Let the prayer of the music melt it as you join your cares to the Cross. Play this. Pray this.