I mainly share the written word and photos on News From Italy but three years ago in February 2010 I started sharing music with a Sunday Song post which appeared on a regular and then gradually a more irregular basis. It has been surprisingly successful and I was recently asked why it has only appeared three times over the last year.
In response I am again reviving the posting of Italian Music, as the majority of readers seem keen on me doing so, (with apologies to S who always skips the music posts and to D whose internet connection is not good enough for her to listen to them). Musical Moment - Momento Musicale will therefore appear from time to time throughout the year, probably when I come across an artist I particularly like, or is popular in Italy.
In response I am again reviving the posting of Italian Music, as the majority of readers seem keen on me doing so, (with apologies to S who always skips the music posts and to D whose internet connection is not good enough for her to listen to them). Musical Moment - Momento Musicale will therefore appear from time to time throughout the year, probably when I come across an artist I particularly like, or is popular in Italy.
Once such artist that I heard on the radio in Italy for the first time last Spring singing Panicus Angelicus is Friar Alessandro who has the most amazing voice. I hope you will enjoy his singing as much as I do.
Friar Alessandro, is a Franciscan friar and a tenor singer of religious music and the first religious brother to gain an exclusive record contract with a major record label. He was born Alessandro Brustenghi in Assisi, Italy in 1978. Alessandro started in playing music when he was just 9 wanting to becoming a percussionist. At 14 he started learning piano and organ. He also sung in choirs, but never as a lead singer. At 21, he joined the Franciscan order and sang in the order at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli at Assisi, Italy where he worked as a joiner-carpenter.
The friars first noticed his beautiful tenor voice, when he had to pass a vocal exam to enter the ministry. Some of his recordings were introduced to Mike Hedges (producer to U2, Dido, The Cure, Manic Street Preachers amongst others) who after hearing his voice offered to produce his album in the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London, that would include sacred music, both traditional and contemporary.
To record the album he had to take a plane to London, the first time ever that he had travelled by air. Also true to his pledge of poverty, Alessandro refused to receive any monetary compensation for the sale of the album, proceeds go to the Order of Friars Minor as a registered charity to assist Franciscan charity activities in different parts of the world.
His debut album is called Voice from Assisi and was was released on 15 October 2012. Relax and enjoy the tracks I have shared.
Friar Alessandro - Panis Angelicus - The Voice from Assisi
Friar Alessandro - Fratello Sole, Sorella Luna (Brother Sun, Sister Moon)
Friar Alessandro - Make Me A Channel Of Your Peace
With thanks to the following sites for Biographical details and videos.
I hope you enjoyed the first Momento Musicale of 2012, do let me know. Have a lovely weekend everyone where ever you may be and however you are spending it. Thankyou for all the messages of support, David and I are both doing fine, just so pleased to be together again after thirty days apart! David has a long road to recovery ahead, but slowly and surely he is determined to get there.
