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Cloistered nuns in France sign recording deal for chant album |
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By Mark Pattison - Catholic News Service
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Wednesday, 25 August 2010 |
Decca Records, the label that helped to make Bing Crosby and the Who top pop acts, has turned its attention to a convent of cloistered nuns in France for what may be the next big thing: Gregorian chant.
A group of cloistered nuns from Abbaye de Notre-Dame de l’Annonciation near Avignon, France, have recorded a CD titled “Voices — Chant From Avignon,” which is to be released Nov. 8. CNS photo / Courtesy Decca Label Group
In July, Decca announced the signing of the sisters from Abbaye de
Notre-Dame de l’Annonciation — the Abbey of Our Lady of the
Annunciation — a Benedictine convent from a remote region of France
near Avignon, to a recording contract.
The nuns’ first CD, “Voices — Chant From Avignon,” is scheduled to be released Nov. 8. In a press release announcing the deal, Decca executives waxed enthusiastic.
“When you hear the sound of nuns chanting, it’s like an immediate escape
from the challenges, stresses, noise and pace of modern living. You’re
given a glimpse of a secret world of peace and calm,” said a statement
from Tom Lewis, Decca’s head of A&R, music industry shorthand for
“artists and repertoire.”
Speaking of repertoire, the Benedictines’ CD, according to Decca, will
feature “the most ancient form of Gregorian chant . . . the first music
ever to be written down.” The nuns sing this form of chant eight times a
day during the liturgy of the hours.
“We never sought this, it came looking for us,” said a statement from
the convent abbess, whose name was not disclosed by Decca. “At first we
were worried it would affect our cloistered life, so we asked St. Joseph
in prayer. Our prayers were answered, and we thought that this album
would be a good thing if it touches people’s lives and helps them find
peace.”
Visitors — even family — must communicate with the sisters through a
grill. “I passed the contract through the grill, they signed it and
passed it back,” said a statement from Dickon Stainer, managing director
of Decca Records.
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