Habemus Papam

On December 9, 2014, Deutsche Grammophon will release HABEMUS PAPAM, a double album featuring live recordings of the music sung by the Sistine Chapel Choir, directed by Monsignor Massimo Palombella, before, during and after the Conclave that led to the election of Pope Francis in 2013: the Mass for the Election of the Roman Pontiff (St Peter s Basilica, 12 March 2013), the entry of the Cardinal-Electors into the Conclave (Sistine Chapel, 12 March 2013), the Mass with the Cardinal-Electors (Sistine Chapel, 14 March 2013) and, lastly, the Mass for the Inauguration of the Petrine Ministry (St Peter s Square, 19 March 2013).

These key moments in the life of the Catholic Church have never before been captured on record, making this release a unique document from both a musical and a historical perspective. Adding to its significance is the inclusion of the announcement of the Conclave s choice and of the first speech made by the newly elected Pope Francis, on 19 March 2013: eleven minutes that captivated audiences worldwide.

Among the works included on this new album are two gems of the liturgical repertoire by Palestrina: the offertory Sicut in holocaustis, probably written to be sung as part of the Mass for the Election of the Roman Pontiff, and the motet Tu es pastor ovium, composed for the enthronement of Pope Sixtus V (1 May 1585). The album also includes several examples of Gregorian chant, as well as works by Francesco Guerrero, J.S. Bach, Lorenzo Perosi, Luigi Molfino and Massimo Palombella.

Monsignor Palombella is the current director of the exceptional Sistine Chapel Choir, whose members perform all the music on the album.