Sadeness (Part I)
Encyclopedia
"Sadeness" is a 1990 single created by the musical project Enigma
. The song was the first of four singles from the project's first album MCMXC a.D.
and upon release became an international smash hit, reaching number one in 24 countries and the top ten in four others including the United States where it made number five on the pop chart and number one on the dance chart.
(under the pseudonym Curly M.C.), Frank Peterson
(under the pseudonym F. Gregorian), and David Fairstein. The lyrics are in Latin
and French
; the Latin text includes a quotation from Psalm
24:7-8. The Extended Trance Mix from the CD single contains some additional French lyrics.
The Gregorian vocals were mostly taken from the 1976 album Paschale Mysterium
by the German choir Capella Antiqua München with conductor Konrad Ruhland
, specifically from their track "Procedamus in pace! (Antiphon)". The vocals were at first used without permission; a lawsuit followed in 1994 and was settled by compensation.
The song was named "Sadeness (Part I)" on its single release in Germany, and "Sadeness Part I" on its single release in the United Kingdom and Japan. It is a sensual track with an insistent beat based around "questioning" the sexual desires of Marquis de Sade
, hence the German release name of "Sadeness", as opposed to the English word of Sadness
.
It was followed by a pseudo-sequel named "Mea Culpa (Part II)
", which was a moderate commercial success compared to
"Sadeness (Part I)".
, who falls asleep at a desk in his room whilst writing ... and has a fantastic, seductive, and enlightening dream. The scholar finds himself wandering among cathedral ruins. He comes up to Auguste Rodin
's The Gates of Hell
, which is probably the "Forbidden Door", according to the album concept. As the young man looks on, he sees a beautiful young woman beyond it. She whispers the main lyric to him in a seductive tone - "Sade, dis-moi" "Sade, donne-moi" or translated- "Sade, tell me" "Sade, give me". The man turns and tries to flee, but relents to his desires and is "sucked" back through the door. At this point, the young man wakes from the dream and looks around anxiously, but finds only a light from his window shining down on him.
duo Crystal Castles
has sampled segments of Sadness (Part I) in some of their Live acts. They are to release their new album in April or May 2010 which includes the single that features the sample.
singles chart in April 1991. The record sold over 500,000 copies in the U.S. and was certified gold. The single has sold more than 5 million copies worldwide.
1 "Principles of Lust" ("Sadeness"/ "Find Love" / "Sadeness")
Enigma (musical project)
Enigma is an electronic musical project founded in Germany by Michael Cretu, David Fairstein and Frank Peterson in 1990. The Romanian-born Cretu conceived the Enigma project while working in Germany, but has based his recording studio A.R.T. Studios in Ibiza, Spain, since the early 1990s until May...
. The song was the first of four singles from the project's first album MCMXC a.D.
MCMXC a.D.
MCMXC a.D. is a concept album created by the musical project Enigma, spearheaded by Michael Cretu. Released at the end of 1990, it was Enigma's debut album...
and upon release became an international smash hit, reaching number one in 24 countries and the top ten in four others including the United States where it made number five on the pop chart and number one on the dance chart.
History
"Sadeness" was written by Michael CretuMichael Cretu
Michael Cretu is a Romanian musician. He is known also as Curly, MC or Curly M.C. because of his fair curled hair . His peak musical activity was with the Enigma project, which was mainly based in Germany....
(under the pseudonym Curly M.C.), Frank Peterson
Frank Peterson
Frank Peterson is a German music producer known for his work with Enigma and artists such as Sarah Brightman, Ofra Haza, Gregorian, Princessa and Andrea Bocelli on his first international album Romanza in 1997....
(under the pseudonym F. Gregorian), and David Fairstein. The lyrics are in Latin
Latin
Latin is an Italic language originally spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. It, along with most European languages, is a descendant of the ancient Proto-Indo-European language. Although it is considered a dead language, a number of scholars and members of the Christian clergy speak it fluently, and...
and French
French language
French is a Romance language spoken as a first language in France, the Romandy region in Switzerland, Wallonia and Brussels in Belgium, Monaco, the regions of Quebec and Acadia in Canada, and by various communities elsewhere. Second-language speakers of French are distributed throughout many parts...
; the Latin text includes a quotation from Psalm
Psalms
The Book of Psalms , commonly referred to simply as Psalms, is a book of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Bible...
24:7-8. The Extended Trance Mix from the CD single contains some additional French lyrics.
The Gregorian vocals were mostly taken from the 1976 album Paschale Mysterium
Paschale Mysterium
Paschale Mysterium was originally released in 1976 . It was conducted by Konrad Ruhland and performed by Germany's Capella Antiqua München....
by the German choir Capella Antiqua München with conductor Konrad Ruhland
Konrad Ruhland
Dr. Konrad Ruhland was a German musicologist. He was born in Landau am Inn He studied history, medieval Latin, theology, and liturgical history which helped him to gain extensive background knowledge for his musicological research...
, specifically from their track "Procedamus in pace! (Antiphon)". The vocals were at first used without permission; a lawsuit followed in 1994 and was settled by compensation.
The song was named "Sadeness (Part I)" on its single release in Germany, and "Sadeness Part I" on its single release in the United Kingdom and Japan. It is a sensual track with an insistent beat based around "questioning" the sexual desires of Marquis de Sade
Marquis de Sade
Donatien Alphonse François, Marquis de Sade was a French aristocrat, revolutionary politician, philosopher, and writer famous for his libertine sexuality and lifestyle...
, hence the German release name of "Sadeness", as opposed to the English word of Sadness
Sadness
Sadness is emotional pain associated with, or characterized by feelings of disadvantage, loss, despair, helplessness, sorrow, and rage. When sad, people often become outspoken, less energetic, and emotional...
.
It was followed by a pseudo-sequel named "Mea Culpa (Part II)
Mea Culpa (Part II)
"Mea Culpa " is a 1991 song created by the musical project Enigma. The single was the second of four singles released from MCMXC a.D....
", which was a moderate commercial success compared to
"Sadeness (Part I)".
Track listings
- 4-track CD single for the UK
- "Sadeness Part I" (Radio Edit) – 4:16
- "Sadeness Part I" (Extended Trance Mix) – 5:04
- "Sadeness Part I" (Meditation Mix) – 3:01
- "Sadeness Part I" (Violent US Remix) – 5:03
- 5-track CD single for the U.S.
- "Sadeness Part I" (Violent US Remix) – 5:03
- "Sadeness Part I" (Meditation Mix) – 3:01
- "Sadeness Part I" (Extended Trance Mix) – 5:04
- "Sadeness Part I" (Radio Edit) – 4:17
- "IntroitIntroitThe Introit is part of the opening of the liturgical celebration of the Eucharist for many Christian denominations. In its most complete version, it consists of an antiphon, psalm verse and Gloria Patri that is spoken or sung at the beginning of the celebration...
: Benedicta sit sancta Trinitas" – 3:04
- 2-track promotional CD single for Japan
- "Sadeness Part I" (Ebi-Kuma Mix)
- "Sadeness Part I" (Meditation Mix)
- 2-track 7-Inch single for France
- "Sadeness Part I" (Radio Edit) – 4:17
- "Sadeness Part I" (Meditation Mix) – 2:57
Uses in other media
- On 16 October 2002, the BBC Concert OrchestraBBC Concert OrchestraThe BBC Concert Orchestra is a British orchestra based in London, one of the British Broadcasting Corporation's five radio orchestras. With around fifty players, it is the only one of the five which is not a full-scale symphony orchestra....
conducted by Anne DudleyAnne DudleyAnne Dudley is an English composer and pop musician, and was the first BBC Concert Orchestra's Composer in Association in 2001. She has worked in both the classical and pop genres. She is perhaps best known, however, as one of the core members of the synthpop band Art of Noise and also as a film...
performed a live version of "Sadeness (Part I)". - The song was featured in the "slow motion" sketch, from the second season of Chappelle's ShowChappelle's ShowChappelle's Show is an American sketch comedy television series created by comedian Dave Chappelle and Neal Brennan, with Chappelle hosting the show as well as starring in various skits. Chappelle, Brennan and Michele Armour were the show's executive producers. The series premiered on January 22,...
. It was also used as background music in films such as Charlie's AngelsCharlie's Angels (film)Charlie's Angels is a 2000 American action comedy film directed by McG, starring Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore, and Lucy Liu as three women working for a private investigation agency...
, Boxing HelenaBoxing HelenaBoxing Helena is a 1993 romantic drama film and the debut feature film by Jennifer Chambers Lynch, daughter of David Lynch. The film stars Julian Sands and Sherilyn Fenn as the eponymous Helena.-Plot:...
, Single White Female and Exit To EdenExit To Eden (film)Exit to Eden is a 1994 American comedy-thriller loosely based on the Anne Rice novel of the same name, directed by Garry Marshall and adapted to the screen by Deborah Amelon and Bob Brunner. The original music score was composed by Patrick Doyle....
. - The music for "Sadeness" was also used in the song "Gabi und Klaus" by Die PrinzenDie PrinzenDie Prinzen is a German music group. The band is made up of former members of the Thomanerchor and a former member of the Dresdner Kreuzchor.-Overview:Early albums consist of a cappella music...
. - The music video was featured in The Brothers GruntThe Brothers GruntThe Brothers Grunt is an animated TV series that aired from August 15, 1994 to February 20, 1995 on MTV. The series was created by Danny Antonucci .-Premise:...
episode "The Ceremony". - The drums in the song were sampled in the Theme tune to the 1991 Mega Drive video game Streets of RageStreets of RageStreets of Rage, known in Japan as , is a side-scrolling beat 'em up released by Sega in 1991 for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis. It is the first installment of the Streets of Rage series which was followed by Streets of Rage 2 and Streets of Rage 3. The game was also converted over to Sega's Game...
. - The song was used in the 2008 film Tropic ThunderTropic ThunderTropic Thunder is a 2008 American action satire comedy film written, produced, and directed by Ben Stiller, and starring Stiller, Robert Downey, Jr., and Jack Black. The main plot revolves around a group of prima donna actors who are making a Vietnam War film...
, and was released on the soundtrack. - The song was often used by radioRadioRadio is the transmission of signals through free space by modulation of electromagnetic waves with frequencies below those of visible light. Electromagnetic radiation travels by means of oscillating electromagnetic fields that pass through the air and the vacuum of space...
talk showTalk showA talk show or chat show is a television program or radio program where one person discuss various topics put forth by a talk show host....
host David SteinDavid SteinDavid Stein may refer to:* David Stein * David Stein...
as a background. - The song was used in the 1992 film Single White FemaleSingle White FemaleSingle White Female is a 1992 American erotic thriller based on John Lutz's novel SWF Seeks Same. The film stars Bridget Fonda and Jennifer Jason Leigh and is directed by Barbet Schroeder.-Plot:...
. - The song was used in the trailer for Ridley Scott's 1992 film 1492: Conquest of Paradise1492: Conquest of Paradise1492: Conquest of Paradise is an epic 1992 European adventure/drama film directed by Ridley Scott and written by Roselyne Bosch, which tells the story of the discovery of the New World by Christopher Columbus and the effect this had on the indigenous people...
.
Video
The video shows a scholar, possibly a reference to Marquis de SadeMarquis de Sade
Donatien Alphonse François, Marquis de Sade was a French aristocrat, revolutionary politician, philosopher, and writer famous for his libertine sexuality and lifestyle...
, who falls asleep at a desk in his room whilst writing ... and has a fantastic, seductive, and enlightening dream. The scholar finds himself wandering among cathedral ruins. He comes up to Auguste Rodin
Auguste Rodin
François-Auguste-René Rodin , known as Auguste Rodin , was a French sculptor. Although Rodin is generally considered the progenitor of modern sculpture, he did not set out to rebel against the past...
's The Gates of Hell
The Gates of Hell
The Gates of Hell is a monumental sculptural group work by French artist Auguste Rodin that depicts a scene from "The Inferno", the first section of Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy. It stands at 6 m high, 4 m wide and 1 m deep and contains 180 figures. The figures range from...
, which is probably the "Forbidden Door", according to the album concept. As the young man looks on, he sees a beautiful young woman beyond it. She whispers the main lyric to him in a seductive tone - "Sade, dis-moi" "Sade, donne-moi" or translated- "Sade, tell me" "Sade, give me". The man turns and tries to flee, but relents to his desires and is "sucked" back through the door. At this point, the young man wakes from the dream and looks around anxiously, but finds only a light from his window shining down on him.
Sampling of the song
Toronto electronicElectronic music
Electronic music is music that employs electronic musical instruments and electronic music technology in its production. In general a distinction can be made between sound produced using electromechanical means and that produced using electronic technology. Examples of electromechanical sound...
duo Crystal Castles
Crystal Castles (band)
Crystal Castles are an experimental electronic band from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, consisting of producer Ethan Kath and lyricist and vocalist Alice Glass. Crystal Castles are known for their chaotic live shows and their lo-fi home productions. The duo released many limited EPs between 2006 and...
has sampled segments of Sadness (Part I) in some of their Live acts. They are to release their new album in April or May 2010 which includes the single that features the sample.
Charts
The single became a number-one hit in the UK in January, and soon followed in over 20 other countries. It remained at number one on the Eurochart for nine weeks. In the United States, it peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
singles chart in April 1991. The record sold over 500,000 copies in the U.S. and was certified gold. The single has sold more than 5 million copies worldwide.
Peak positions
| Chart (1990/91) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australia ARIA ARIA Charts The ARIA charts are the main Australian music sales charts, issued weekly by the Australian Recording Industry Association. The charts are a record of the highest selling singles and albums in various genres in Australia. ARIA commenced compiling its own charts in-house from the week ending 26 June... Singles Chart |
2 |
| Austrian Singles Chart Ö3 Austria Top 40 Ö3 Austria Top 40 is the name of the official Austrian singles chart, as well as the radio show which presents it, aired Fridays on Hitradio Ö3. The show presents the Austrian singles, ringtones and downloads chart. It premiered on 26 November 1968 as Disc Parade and was presented by Ernst Grissemann... |
1 |
| Belgian VRT Top 30 VRT Top 30 The VRT Top 30 or Radio 2 Top 30 is a Belgian record chart that runs on the VRT, more specifically on Radio 2. The list is the new version of the old BRT Top 30, that changed along with the media group's name in 1992.... Singles Chart |
1 |
| Canadian Singles Chart Canadian Singles Chart The Canadian Singles Chart is currently compiled by the U.S.-based music sales tracking company, Nielsen SoundScan . The chart is compiled every Wednesday, and is published by Jam! Canoe on Thursdays.... |
2 |
| Danish Singles Chart | 1 |
| Dutch Top 40 Dutch Top 40 The Dutch Top 40 is a weekly music chart, which started as the "Veronica Top 40", because the offshore radio station Radio Veronica was the first to introduce it. It remained "The Veronica Top 40" until 1974, when the station was forced to stop broadcasting... |
1 |
| Eurochart Hot 100 Singles | 1 |
| Finnish Singles Chart | 6 |
| French SNEP Syndicat National de l'Edition Phonographique The Syndicat national de l'édition phonographique is the inter-professional organization which protects the interests of the French record industry... Singles Chart |
1 |
| German Singles Chart Media Control Charts The official music charts in Germany are gathered and published by the company Media Control GfK International on behalf of Bundesverband Musikindustrie... |
1 |
| Greece IFPI IFPI The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry is the organisation that represents the interests of the recording industry worldwide. It is a not-for-profit members' organisation registered in Switzerland... Singles Chart |
1 |
| Irish Singles Chart Irish Singles Chart The Irish Singles Chart is Ireland's music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by the Irish Recorded Music Association and compiled on behalf of the IRMA by Chart-Track. Chart rankings are based on sales, which are compiled through over-the-counter retail data captured... |
1 |
| Italian FIMI Federation of the Italian Music Industry The Federation of the Italian Music Industry is an umbrella organization that keeps track of virtually all aspects of the music recording industry in Italy.... Singles Chart |
1 |
| Japanese Oricon Oricon , established in 1999, is the holding company at the head of a Japanese corporate group that supplies statistics and information on music and the music industry in Japan. It started as , which was founded by Sōkō Koike in November 1967 and became known for its music charts. Oricon Inc... Weekly International Singles Chart |
1 |
| New Zealand RIANZ Recording Industry Association of New Zealand The Recording Industry Association of New Zealand is a non-profit trade association of record producers, distributors and recording artists who sell music in New Zealand... Singles Chart |
2 |
| Norwegian VG-lista VG-lista VG-listen is a Norwegian record chart. It is weekly presented in the newspaper VG and the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation program Topp 20. It is considered the primary Norwegian record chart, charting albums and singles from countries and continent around the world. The data is collected by... Singles Chart |
1 |
| Spanish Singles Chart | 1 |
| Swedish Singles Chart | 1 |
| Swiss Singles Chart Swiss Music Charts The Swiss Music Charts are Switzerland's main music sales charts. The charts are a record of the highest-selling singles and albums in various genres in Switzerland.The Swiss Charts include:* Singles Top 75... |
1 |
| UK Singles Chart UK Singles Chart The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ... |
1 |
| US Billboard Hot 100 Billboard Hot 100 The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday... 1 |
5 |
| US Billboard Hot Dance Club Play 1 | 1 |
| US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks 1 | 6 |
| US Billboard Hot R&B Singles Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, is a chart released weekly by Billboard in the United States.The chart, initiated in 1942, is used to track the success of popular music songs in urban, or primarily African American, venues. Dominated over the years at various times by jazz, rhythm and blues, doo-wop, soul,... |
67 |
1 "Principles of Lust" ("Sadeness"/ "Find Love" / "Sadeness")
Year-end charts
| Chart (1991) | Position |
|---|---|
| Australian Singles Chart | 23 |
| Austrian Singles Chart | 8 |
| Dutch Top 40 | 57 |
| Swiss Singles Chart | 6 |
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 63 |
Certifications
| Country | Certification | Date | Sales certified |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | Gold | 1991 | 35,000 |
| Austria | Gold | April 15, 1991 | 15,000 |
| France | Gold | 1991 | 250,000 |
| Germany | Platinum | 2005 | 300,000 |
| Netherlands | Gold | 1991 | 40,000 |
| New Zealand | Gold | 1991 | 7,500 |
| Spain | Gold | 1991 | 10,000 |
| Sweden | Gold | November 21, 1991 | 10,000 |
| UK | Silver | January 1, 1991 | 200,000 |
| U.S. | Gold | April 3, 1991 | 500,000 |
See also
- List of number-one hits of 1990 (Austria)
- List of number-one hits of 1990 (Germany)
- List of number-one hits of 1990 (Switzerland)
- List of Dutch Top 40 number-one singles of 1990
- List of European number-one hits of 1991
- List of number-one hits in Norway
- List of Swedish number-one hits
- List of number-one hits of 1991 (France)
- List of number-one singles of 1991 (Ireland)
- List of number-one singles from the 1990s (UK)
- List of number-one dance singles of 1991 (U.S.)