The Priests | 
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| Label: RCA
Category: Music
List Price: $18.98
Buy New: $10.56
You Save: $8.42 (44%)
New (40) Used (9) from $9.43
Rating:  24 reviews
Sales Rank: 9
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 5.6 x 4.9 x 0.4
MPN: 733969
UPC: 886973396926
EAN: 0886973396926
ASIN: B001DAYA6Q
Release Date: November 18, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: Brand new Item. CD, DVD, Book, VHS more than 400 000 titles to choose from. ALL days Low Price !
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| Tracks:
| • | Ave Maria - The Priests, Schubert, Franz | | • | Mit Wuerd und Hoheit Angetan - The Priests, | | • | Panis Angelicus - The Priests, Franck, Cesar | | • | Irish Blessing - The Priests, Chilcott, Bob | | • | Benedictus - The Priests, Arwyn, Robat | | • | Plegaria (Los Tres Amores) - The Priests, Alvarez, F. M. | | • | Pie Jesu - The Priests, Lloyd-Webber, Andre | | • | Hacia Belen - The Priests, Traditional, Spanis | | • | Abide with Me - The Priests, Monk, Thelonious | | • | Ag Criost an Siol - The Priests, O'Riada, Sean | | • | Domine Fili Unigente - The Priests, | | • | O Holy Night - The Priests, Adam, Adolphe Charl | | • | Ecce Sacerdos Magnus - The Priests, Elgar, Edward | | • | Be Still My Soul - The Priests, Sibelius, Jean |
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| Customer Reviews: Read 19 more reviews...
Songs to lift the spirit January 2, 2009
Veggiechiliqueen
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I first heard about the Priests last summer; CNN dubbed them "New Clergymen on the Block." Father Eugene O'Hagan, Father Martin O'Hagan (the two are brothers) and their childhood friend Father David Delargy are priests in the parishes of Ballyclare and Ballygowan, Cushendun, and Hannahstown in Northern Ireland. All three studied at the Irish College in Rome, and sang for Pope John Paul II as they studied for the priesthood. They were recently signed by SonyBMG in a much-publicized deal valued at one million pounds; their contract also has unique stipulations such that their respective parish duties take precedence over promotional events, or that they may opt out of any performance or commercial activity which conflicts with their religious beliefs.
Despite the proliferation of classical crossover groups and soloists, the Priests are unique. "Their brand isn't something that's been invented; it's been around for 2,000 years," says Samantha Wright, the group's manager. A portion of the proceeds go to charity. Both the concept, talented singers who also happen to be ordained priests, and the fact that the proceeds go to charity, is a refreshing change in this age of contrived commercially-oriented classical crossover acts such as Il Divo and Amici Forever.
The fourteen songs include sacred Latin hymns such as Ave Maria, Panis Angelicus, Ecce Sacerdos Magnus, and Domine Fili Unigente (from Vivaldi's Gloria) and Haydn's Mit Wuerd und Hoheit Angetan, in addition to more modern tracks such as Andrew Lloyd Webber's haunting Pie Jesu (originally sung by Sarah Brightman) and Benedictus. There are two Spanish tracks and several Irish compositions, including Ag Criost An Siol and a musical setting of the familiar Irish Blessing ("May the road rise to meet you..."). Although the album is not Christmas-themed, there is a beautiful, uptempo version of "O Holy Night" in which the harmony of the three priests is woven together most magically over the shimmer of horns.
The production values are simple and understated, allowing the beauty of the songs (and of the priests' divinely gifted voices) to shine through. The beauty of the singing has nothing to do with studio wizardry or posturing; there are no glaring synthesizers or technical sleight of hand as is omnipresent in classical crossover albums these days. The music is simply a vehicle for prayer, backed sublimely by the Choir of Philharmonic Academy of Rome and recorded in St. Peter's Basilica. The Priests themselves said it best: "When we sing, we don't simply sing. We pray."
The Priests is a work that can be appreciated on many levels whether you choose to enjoy it simply as soothing background music or as a deeper tool to aid in reflection and prayer, and its various elements come together flawlessly, from the three mesmerizing voices of Fathers Eugene, Martin, and David, to the timeless hymns and songs selected, to the traditional philharmonic arrangements and backing choir. This is a gift that will certainly be cherished by those who love sacred music (Catholics will feel right at home with several of the more traditional hymns like Ave Maria and Panis Angelicus), Irish music (there are hints of tin whistle and a touch of Irish Gaelic on Ag Criost An Siol and Irish Blessing) and by anyone who appreciates musical beauty.
catholic priests December 27, 2008
Joyce K. Painter (columbus,ohio usa)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I gave a copy of the priests to my pastor and assistant pastor. They were thrilled with it. Also the deacon liked their music too. They really do sing well. I hope they will continue to praise God in their singing. As priests from different parishes it may be a little hard for them as they have many other duties. This cd was written in our catholic paper and got a good review from EWTN. Myself I have played it many times since I have received it. It's about time something like this has hit the music market.
Phenomenal! December 27, 2008
Oblate (GA)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
In a world gone barking with sensationalism, here is one album that is simply sensational! Vocal verity, pitch perfect, these three Irish priests bring a straightforward and faithful rendition to the classics with a quality that is free from ego and pure in its desire to serve the song as an offering to God.
Wonderful! Can't wait for their next releases... December 27, 2008
G. Sommerfeld (Burien, WA United States)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
The Priests
I recently saw a PBS special with The Priests singing several of these songs. It was both a musical and prayer experience not to be missed. I immediately got online on Amazon to see if I could purchase their album, and was glad to find that I could. And I purchased a second CD as a gift for a friend. This is a wonderful prayerful experience, with many of selections being well loved classics. I am looking forward to seeing what else they produce. This album is well worth the purchase price. And I would love to see them produce a music video.
just beautiful music December 25, 2008
Michelle Garringer (Overland Park KS)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
iam not normally a fan of this type of music but hearing this i felt a sense of hope and peace perfect timing for the Holiday season i hope everybody enjoys this cd as much as i did.
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