400-Year-Old Music Tops iTunes Chart

Written by Pat's Papers | Friday, 3 September 2010 8:26 AM

What does it take to loosen Lady Gaga’s chokehold grip on the iTunes Best Album chart? Apparently, just a chamber choir and a 400-year-old piece of music. The Miami Herald says local group Seraphic Fire was surprised when their self-released recording of Monteverdi’s “Vespers of the Blessed Virgin,” circa 1610, topped iTunes’ classical chart. They were stunned when it (briefly) bested Lady Gaga’s “The Fame Monster.” Though Gaga quickly claimed her top spot, the group says the rush of support has solidified its Top 20 status on the classical charts. What I thought was so interesting is how little it takes to make a classical album a best-seller. “Vespers” has only sold about 2,200 copies on iTunes and the paper says even the genre’s biggest names like Yo Yo Ma top out at around 20,000.

Here are some pictures of the group, which is largely under the age of 35, recording the album last year in Michigan.

Seraphic Fire Official Website

Check out the album on iTunes or scroll down for a preview:

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