Fifty Shades of Grey Boosts Classical Music Sales
Brandon McFarland on Monday, Jul. 16th
The immensely popular book Fifty Shades of Grey has boosted sales of British vocal ensemble, Tallis Scholars to the top of the UK classical music charts.
Readers of EL James’ controversial novel have been rapidly downloading the The Tallis Scholars’ version of Thomas Tallis‘ 16th century Christian motet, “Spem in Alium“, after reading this:
“The singing starts again … building and building, and he rains down blows on me … and I groan and writhe … Lost in him, lost in the astral, seraphic voices … I am completely at the mercy of his expert touch …”
“‘What was that music?’ I mumble almost inarticulately.
“‘It’s called Spem in Alium, a 40-part motet by Thomas Tallis.’
“‘It was … overwhelming.’”
Steve Smith, the producer of the Tallis Scholars’ recordings told TheGuardian “Irrespective of how it got there, it’s brilliant for us to know more people are listening to the music.”
