Voice from Assisi: The Humble Friar with a Record Deal
Tapestry speaks to Friar Alessandro, a Franciscan monk and celebrated tenor.
Originally aired in 2016.
Alessandro Brustenghi grew up in Assisi, Italy, in a family of agnostics. Dinner-table conversation has a distinct lack of God-talk. One day, he experienced something very powerful and began to believe in God. He then joined the order founded by another convert from Assisi, St Francis.
Friar Alessandro, in addition to his interest in wood-working, also studies music. He says he went from having 'no voice' at all - to becoming a tenor so powerful, that he got a record deal with Decca Records/Universal Music.
How does a friar - who takes vows of poverty and humility - end up recording an album at Abbey Road?
"What they appreciate is my voice, that is a gift of God. It's not mine. They appreciate my smile, my happiness, that is not mine," Friar Alessandro says, adding that all money from the music goes to his Franciscan friary's charitable work. "I'm just a channel. I'm just an instrument."
This is for you: an hour of music and conversation - a little light in the bleak midwinter - as Tapestry host Mary Hynes meets the voice from Assisi, Friar Alessandro Brustenghi.
MUSICAL PLAYLIST:
Here is the list of songs played during the interview, in the order you hear them:
1. "O Santa Notte (O Holy Night)" from Voice of Joy
2. "Veni, Veni, Emanuel" from Voice of Joy
3. "Resta Con Noi, Signore, La Sena" from Voice of Peace
4. "Ave Maria" from Voice of Assisi
5."Cantique de Jean Racine" from Voice from Assisi
6. "Jesus Bleibet Meine Freude" from Voice of Peace
7. "Adeste Fideles" from Voice of Joy
8. "Con Te, Gesu" from Voice of Peace
9. "Panis Angelicus" from Voice from Assisi
10. "Joy to the World" from Voice of Joy
Special thanks to harpist Lori Gemmell for her beautiful music. From her album Canadian Music For Harp, you heard "Song of Nymphs - Freedom", composed by Marjan Mozetich.