From the Liner Notes ::
"Listen... There was once a king sitting on his throne. Around him stood great and wonderfully beautiful columns ornamented with ivory, bearing the banners of the king with great honour. Then it pleased the king to raise a small feather from the ground and he commanded it to fly. The feather flew... Not because of anything in itself, but because the air bore it along. Thus am I... "A feather on the breath of God". "
--- Hildegard von Bingen
History ::
A Feather on the Breath of God
Sequences and Hymns by Abbess Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179)
Performed by Gothic Voices
Three years prior to the close of the 11th Century, there was born to a noble family in the town of Bingen, Germany, a girl who was destined to become not merely a Nun, but one of the greatest minds of the High Middle Ages. Philosopher; Theologian; Artist; Poet; Naturalist; Playwright; Mystic; Visionary; Composer... As Abbess of the Convent of Rupertsberg, Hildegard von Bingen was sought out by Kings; Emperors; Popes; Archbishops; Abbots and Abbesses alike, for her council, advice and wisdom.
So great was the legacy of this remarkable woman, that following her death in September of 1179, no less than four Popes nominated Hildegard for Veneration.
~
As a codified system of musical notation arose during the 12th Century, so Gregorian Plainchant gave way to Polyphony. While still somewhat constrained in range, Polyphonic Chant incorporates both male and female voices and even a few instruments, to render works with a more melodic character.
~
With 2005 marking the 25th anniversary of vocal group Gothic Voices, they become the longest lived of any ensemble specializing in Medieval music. "A Feather on the Breath of God" is their premiere recording, presenting eight pieces from Hildegard von Bingen's Magnus Opum, Symphonia Armonie Celestium Revelationum - "Symphony of the Harmony of Celestial Revelations".
Review / Comments ::
I won't bore the reader with detailed accounts of what each of the tracks represents. Suffice it to say that each was composed to honor a specific Saint.
Having been a fan of Chant since I first heard them in the movie Becket years ago, I have thoroughly enjoyed exploring the world of Polyphony as well. "A Feather on the Breath of God" is one of my favorites in this genre. Each piece is beautifully performed... Quite soothing and relaxing.
Religious persuasion or lacking an understanding of Latin is no obstacle to being able to enjoy the music in this collection. While the booklet accompanying the CD contains English translation of the Chants, I must admit that I have yet to read them. The vocal quality of the performers makes listening to their music rewarding in itself.
Those who are familiar with Early Music will find this CD a welcome addition to their collection. For those to whom this form of music is new... Please avail yourselves of the free clips at the website listed below, and don't be afraid to broaden you musical horizons.
Additional Information:
"A Feather in the Breath of God", won the Gramophone Record Award in 1983 as best of the year in the Early Music (Medieval and Renaissance) category.
Recorded September 14, 1981 in the Church of
St. Jude-on-the-Hill, Hampstead, London
Related Web Links ::
Official Site: http://www.gothicvoices.co.uk/ 
Available At ::
Amazon.com (CD)
Album Copyright Information ::
© 1984 Hyperion Records Limited, London
Review Date ::
|
