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Austrian Monks Nab Record Deal

Austrian monks to record Gregorian chant album

By Caroline Zimmerman,  Newser User

Posted Mar 23, 2008 2:16 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Amy Winehouse and Cistercian monks wouldn't seem to have much in common, but now they've got the same record label, the BBC reports. Universal Music's search for "sacred singers" to record a Gregorian chant album turned up an Austrian monastery dating back to 1133. "It was beautiful, beautiful music," said a Universal exec.

"Gregorian chant is part of spirituality and our life," said one father at the Heiligenkreuz monastery, which he said submitted a clip of ancient medieval songs "for fun" via YouTube when a friend told them about the competition. Profits from the album, set for global release later this year, will go toward training other monks.

Pope Benedict XVI prays during a liturgical celebration at the church of Heiligenkreuz Abbey south of Vienna, Austria, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007.
Pope Benedict XVI prays during a liturgical celebration at the church of Heiligenkreuz Abbey south of Vienna, Austria, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007.   (Associated Press)
Two priests pray in the church of the the monastery of Heiligenkreuz, south of Vienna, in this file photo.
Two priests pray in the church of the the monastery of Heiligenkreuz, south of Vienna, in this file photo.   (Associated Press)
A monk performs Gregorian chants, a musical tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages.
A monk performs Gregorian chants, a musical tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages.   (Shutterstock)
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YouTube • Catholic Church • Universal Music Group • monks • album release • Gregorian chant • Cistercian order • Heiligenkreuz monastery • recording contract • monastery

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