Alma Mater: Featuring The Voice of Pope Benedict XVI

I like "church music" anyway, tho NOT the "ole time religious stuff" so I didn't know quite what to expect from Music From The Vatican. I was pleased beyond all expectation .. it's lovely, spiritually uplifting, tho not in the sense that Bach's great inventions are. The Pope doesn't sing but does speak a few lines of scripture in each section, mostly in Italian I think (I only speak English) His voice is soft, gentel, apealing. I play this CD often and enjoy it every time.

I bought Abba Pater, the CD of Pope John Paul II praying and singing with music, many years ago. I love that CD. Thus, when I heard that Pope Benedict was partaking in a similar project, I was really looking forward to it. I had heard some preliminary reviews, some favorable but many not. However, I kept my mind open and ordered the CD. I received it today, and played it immediately. I'm sad to say that I was really disappointed. First of all there's only 8 tracks, and it runs a little over 40 minutes. Second of all, there is very little of the Pope speaking or singing on the CD. Third of all many of the musical selections do not correspond at all with the Pope's personality and taste. Fourth of all, while some of the musical selections are very nice, many of them are poorly recorded and the sound quality leaves something to be desired. It's a mix of classical, ecclesiastical, and "world music" Abba Pater had a similar mix, but what worked in Abba Pater doesn't work for this CD. This CD was a good concept which was carried out poorly. I hope someone else will undertake the task of setting Benedict's prayers/speeches to music. Until then, save your money.

The music on this CD is wonderful. Very delightful use of the Holy Father's voice, it is so beautiful. I was so impressed with my copy that I decided to purchase more as gifts.

If you are Catholic and have a love for the Virgin Mary, you will love this album. There is something very comforting listening to the voice of our current pope.

The music and singing are magnificent. the online description caused me to believe that Benedict XVI was singing, but he primarily offers brief discourse or recites prayers in between the songs. Some of his words are in Italian, some in German.