Pope Benedict album set for holiday release

Friday, July 31, 2009

An album of music and prayers by Pope Benedict will join new releases from the likes of Jay-Z and reality TV contestant Susan Boyle in stores at the end of the year.

Geffen Records, which is owned by Universal Music Group, announced the project on Friday, saying the as-yet-untitled album will be released Nov. 30.

The album features the pontiff singing one prayer and reciting seven others, in different languages. The vocals originate from broadcasts on Vatican Radio, which owns the rights to them.

Accompanying the Pope's portion is the Choir of the Philharmonic Academy of Rome, conducted by Msgr. Pablo Colino.

The contemporary classical music backing tracks are performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, which recorded its part at London's Abbey Road studios. the rest