Gregorian 2006 –

Frank Peterson`s idea might have sounded strange, but it worked. A Gregorian choir sings modern popsongs, arranged in the style of the chants sung by medieval monks. The first two GREGORIAN albums (1999/ 2000 and 2001), produced by Hamburg/Germany-based Peterson (Enigma, Sarah Brightman) became international bestsellers, selling one million units each and reaching goldstatus in a dozen countries including Germany, Belgium, Australia, South Africa and Singapur.

Shortly after the release of part two, the producer team consisting of Frank Peterson, Carsten Heusmann, Jan-Eric Kohrs and Michael Soltau started to prepare for part three. For the third time, songs were needed that could be transposed into the style of Gregorian chants. Songs were written, existing compositions had been tested. A lot of them weren`t suitable, only few turned out to be good enough. There is just one basic rule the producers had to stick to, explains Peterson: `Gregorian music uses only seven tones. As soon as there are semitones in a composition, we cannot use it.” That means songs like `Wish You Were Here` by Pink Floyd, included on Part Two are no problem – but Elton John`s `Sacrifice` turns out to be hard.

Sound Samples:

Losing My Reliigion | Tears In Heaven | Scarborough Fair