Mirabilis

Amazon.com
On Mirabilis, the Mediaeval Baebes drill even deeper (and wider) into their chorale sound, making music with ancient roots and timeless designs. An octet of Englishwomen with a penchant for dressing up in flouncy gothic gowns just this side of Victoria's Secret, they've released several albums mining medieval hymns and plainsong. They're still at it here, matching obscure Latin, Gaelic, and old English texts (along with the odd Robert Burns poem) to music that is often newly composed but sounds as if it came out of a Dark Ages court or monastery. But without ever playing instruments more modern than the violin, they bring a modern arranger's head to tunes that float on percussion, recorder, concertina, cittern, hurdy-gurdy, and strings. Under the musical direction of founder Katherine Blake, the harmonies are richer and more complex than on previous Baebes discs. Emily Ovenden's "Temptasyon" flies with soaring three-part harmony and lush accompaniment of strings, both modern and ancient. The Baebes get a little arty on a horror-house reading of "Tam Lin," and they perhaps had to cover "Scarborough Fayre" at some point. But they more than make up for it with the serene "Star of the Sea." This is one time you won't mind having someone get Mediaeval on you. --John Diliberto

Mirabilis,Mediaeval Baebes,Nettwerk Records,Choral,Early Music,Ethnic Fusion,Goth Rock,Medieval,New Age / Meditation,Pop,Rock/Pop

Average customer rating:

This is truly bad stuff! Zero rating...if they would let me.
Mediaeval Baebes - Gorgeous, sensual sound!
Beauty is in the ear of the belistener
Deep, wild and wonderfully wyrd!
Temptasyon!

Mirabilis
Mediaeval Baebes
Manufacturer: Nettwerk Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Goth | Goth & Industrial | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B0009VBU5Y
Release Date: 2005-07-19

Tracks:

Star Of The Sea
Trovommi Amor
Temptasyon
San'c Fuy Belha Ni Prezada
All For Love Of One
The Lament
Musa Venit Carmine
Kilmeny
Lhiannan Shee
Umlahi
Cittern Segue
Return Of The Birds
Tam Lin
Scarborough Fayre
Come My Sweet
Mark Hur Var Skugga
The Worlds Fareth As A Fantasye
Away

Amazon.com

On Mirabilis, the Mediaeval Baebes drill even deeper (and wider) into their chorale sound, making music with ancient roots and timeless designs. An octet of Englishwomen with a penchant for dressing up in flouncy gothic gowns just this side of Victoria's Secret, they've released several albums mining medieval hymns and plainsong. They're still at it here, matching obscure Latin, Gaelic, and old English texts (along with the odd Robert Burns poem) to music that is often newly composed but sounds as if it came out of a Dark Ages court or monastery. But without ever playing instruments more modern than the violin, they bring a modern arranger's head to tunes that float on percussion, recorder, concertina, cittern, hurdy-gurdy, and strings. Under the musical direction of founder Katherine Blake, the harmonies are richer and more complex than on previous Baebes discs. Emily Ovenden's "Temptasyon" flies with soaring three-part harmony and lush accompaniment of strings, both modern and ancient. The Baebes get a little arty on a horror-house reading of "Tam Lin," and they perhaps had to cover "Scarborough Fayre" at some point. But they more than make up for it with the serene "Star of the Sea." This is one time you won't mind having someone get Mediaeval on you. --John Diliberto

Customer Reviews:

This is truly bad stuff! Zero rating...if they would let me........2007-07-16

I cannot believe how this "ensemble" has managed to pull the wool over so many. This stuff is truly awful. In addition to the poor singing, the voices have been synthesized and pasteurized through an electronic equilizer -- just as well, it probably actually IMPROVED their gawd awful lack of vocal talent.

I must give credit though to the mastermind behind the marketing in managing to sell this garbage to the masses -- pretty cover pictures of pretty girls...a clever name...a nonsense hybrid of new age garbage with medieval music.

It really is amazing how a photo of pretty women and the word "baebes" can fool so many into buying this stuff.

Mediaeval Baebes - Gorgeous, sensual sound! .......2007-01-03

I first heard this album last year when my cousin asked for it for Christmas. I hadn't heard of them before, and was immediately hooked.
Their style of overlapping sounds & phrasing was so captivating that I went on to purchase more of their albums, although this one is still my
favorite.

I've given several copies as gifts to other people, and everyone that I've introduced to their music has enjoyed it and found something new to comment on.

A must for your CD collection!

Beauty is in the ear of the belistener.......2006-12-06

I hate to step away from the crowd, but I liked the older stuff better. There's no fanatic like a new convert and I'm a new fanatic of the Baebes. I'd actually rate this one 3 1/2 stars because it's worth purchasing if your a fan like me, but to be honest I prefer the feel (if not the purity) of the earlier albums. I guess it's just a matter of taste.

Deep, wild and wonderfully wyrd!.......2006-10-01

Joined this time by an entire ensemble of period and modern instruments that layer in with the women's vocals, the Mediaeval Baebes continue to deepen and flesh out their sound, experimenting with new stylistic elements ranging from traditional folk and folk rock to African-style percussive chant and even an atonal choral symphony. The Baebes continue to take turns at playing instruments and composing the music, too, displaying their diverse sensibilities while never straying too far from the group's signature sound--a blend of driving, unison chants with wispy, straight-toned solos and mesmerizing whirlwinds of naturally looping vocals and instrumentals. The mix of lively and laid back songs on "Mirabilis" is about half and half, with the lively songs being highly and intriguingly percussive but (thankfully!) with nary a mindless, programmed club-beat in earshot. #15, in particular, "Come My Sweet," is a great dance song and all acoustic. The only electronic sound on this album seems to be from an occasional electric guitar or bass, judiciously used. The rest is all natural, and still wickedly cool. For more pseudo-medieval music with a modern edge, try also the recordings of Faun, Estampie, Corvus Corax, Qntal, Dead Can Dance, and "MCMXC A.D." by Enigma. And if you'd like to take the plunge and try the real thing, check out the following: "Music of the Crusades" by David Munrow and the Early Music Consort of London, "Cantigas de Amigo" by Ensemble Alcatraz and Kitka, "On the Way to Bethlehem" by Ensemble Unicorn, and "Perceval: The Quest for the Grail" by La Nef, "Libre Vermell" by Sarband, "Istanpitta" I and II by New York's Ensemble for Early Music, and anything by Wolgemut. Great stuff--unplugged and all on its own!

Temptasyon!.......2006-04-20

I have always enjoyed listening to the Baebes, and this may become my favorite recording of theirs yet! I especially got hooked on "Star of the Sea" and "Temptasyon."

The Origin of Fire: Music and Visions of Hildegard von Bingen

Average customer rating:

A Wonderful CD
Great music; interesting group
My humble opinion.....
Completely beautiful
The Origins of Fire: Music and Visions of Hildegard von Bingen

The Origin of Fire: Music and Visions of Hildegard von Bingen

Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Chants | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
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1000: A Mass for the End of Time / Anonymous 4
American Angels
Wolcum Yule: Celtic and British Songs and Carols - Anonymous 4 with Andrew Lawrence-King
La Bele Marie: Songs to the Virgin from 13th-Century France
A Portrait Of Anonymous 4

ASIN: B0006OBW8E
Release Date: 2005-02-08

Tracks:

Hymn - Veni Creator Spiritus
Sequence - Veni Spiritus Eternorum
Antiphon - O Quam Mirabilis Est
Vision 1 - The Fire Of Creation
Vision 1 - The Fire Of Creation
Sequence - O Ignis Spiritus Paracliti
Vision 2 - Wisdom And Her Sisters
Vision 2 - Wisdom And Her Sisters
Responsory - O Felix Anima
Vision 3 - The Fiery Spirit
Vision 3 - The Fiery Spirit
Hymn - O Ignee Spiritus
Vision 4 - Love
Vision 4 - Love
Antiphon - Caritas Habundat In Omnia
Antiphon - O Eterne Deus
Hymn - Beata Nobis Gaudia

Amazon.com

The bad news is that this is Anonymous 4's final recording. The good news is that it's one of their best. Aside from a pair of brief 9th-century chants that flank the main program, the disc focuses on the music of Hildegard von Bingen, the 12th-century Benedictine nun whose liturgical works broke new ground in their visionary texts, rich imagery, and melodic range. The selections here relate to themes associated with the Holy Spirit--the fire of creation, wisdom, the life-giving spirit, and love. The imagery of Hildegard's visionary texts is replete with references to the basic elements--air, earth, fire, and water. The results are boldly original, at least within the restricted confines of chant, which offer compelling listening experiences as performed in the lustrous tones of Anonymous 4. The program includes a pair of Hildegard's most-rhapsodic extended visionary pieces, the consoling "O spirit of fire, bringer of comfort," and "I am the great and fiery power," whose soaring opening musical lines still can shock. Harmonia Mundi, as usual, captures the purity of Anonymous 4's singing in vivid sonics and provides deluxe production values, including a profusely illustrated booklet, with full texts and translations. --Dan Davis

Interview with Marsha Genensky of Anonymous 4
Anonymous 4's Marsha Genensky speaks about the ensemble's swan song in our special interview.

Customer Reviews:

A Wonderful CD .......2007-04-29

I own 13 A-4 discs and this is my second favorite, after On Yoolis Night. The recording sounds a little muddy and they do, uncharacteristically take some liberties with the translations, but .... This was recorded in a real chapel (as were most of their later releases) and the extensive liner notes are, as usual, present. The presentation and delivery are among the best that A-4 have ever done. These 4 ladies each have wonderful voices that blend together magnificently. If you are an A-4 fan, you need to own this.

Great music; interesting group.......2007-01-05

The music of Hildegard Von Bingen is, without question, some of the most important we have from the Middle Ages. This album has a very capable set of performances by Anonymous 4, but the drawback is the very sameness of sound to each and every track. Yes, they sing well, but where is the variety of timbre? Where are the percussion instruments that have been used in other recordings and performances of these works? They could have used some help from some men's voices, too. Otherwise, it's perfectly recorded, but with repeat listenings becomes more trying.

My humble opinion............2005-12-28

I gave this CD an above average rating. I did so because this is the 3rd CD that I have purchased from Anonymous 4 and to be quite honest they all sound the same to me. I personally feel that the style of Hildegard is heavy, crisp, intentional and complicated. It is unique compared to other styles of anicent choral music. Anonymous 4 has a very light, airy almost contemporary feel to whatever they sing. In the CD insert Anonymous 4 goes on to express how they prepared to sing the medeival music in latin with a German accent because that is where Hildegard was from, and that this is how she would have sung her music. But honestly I don't think one can tell. Like I said, this is my third CD from them and they all sound the same. Don't get me wrong ladies. You 4 have gorgeous voices but I have found that the albums by Sequentia that sing in Hildegard's von Bingen tradition to be more authentic. I recommend to those interested to try Chanticles of Extasy by Sequentia or any of Sequentia's albums. You'll understand what I mean after you compare them for yourselves.

Completely beautiful.......2005-11-08

This musical is relaxing uplifting, simple yet complicated. A total mental experience filled with beauty.

The Origins of Fire: Music and Visions of Hildegard von Bingen.......2005-08-14

If you enjoy the music of Anonymous 4, you'll be thouroughly impressed with this presentation of Hildegard's music to God. Excellent is not enough praise for this interpretation.

11,000 Virgins: Chants for the Feast of St. Ursula

Average customer rating:

Great Medieval Plainsong. Not all from Hildegard
Approaching perfection...
beautiful, meditative music
Glorious Music
There's something about this one.

11,000 Virgins: Chants for the Feast of St. Ursula
Anonymous , Hildegard of Bingen , Gregorian Chant , Italian Anonymous , and Anonymous 4
Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Origin of Fire: Music and Visions of Hildegard von Bingen
1000: A Mass for the End of Time / Anonymous 4
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The Lily and the Lamb: Chant and Polyphony from Medieval England
An English Ladymass: Medieval Chant and Polyphony

ASIN: B0000007FU
Release Date: 1997-09-09

Tracks:

11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Antiphon - Auctori vite psalmis - Invitatory - Venite exsultemus domino
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Symphonia virginum - O dulcissime amator
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Hymn - Jesu corona virginum
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Responsory - Spiritui sancto
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Versicle - Specie tua
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Responsory -Favus distillans
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Benedicamus domino
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Antiphon - Studium divinitatis
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Psalm 92 - Dominus regnavit - Studium divinitatis
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Sequence - O Ecclesia
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Benedicamus domino
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Chapter - Domine deus meus
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Brief responsory - Mirabilis deus
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Hymn - Cum vox sanguinis
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Antiphon - O rubor sanguinis
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Canticle - Magnificat anima mea - O rubor sanguinis
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Hymn - Te lucis ante terminum
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Benidicamus domino

Amazon.com essential recording

All the world loves Hildegard--and the four women of Anonymous 4 may be the best interpreters of her music since the 12th century. St. Ursula was the legendary daughter of a British king who, with her army of virgin companions, was martyred in Cologne, perhaps in the fifth century; Hildegard wrote these Chants for the Feast of St. Ursula for use in a highly solemn celebration along with other liturgical chants. It is in this context that Anonymous 4 presents this program, interspersing chants and psalmody with Hildegard's compositions, sometimes employing drones and polyphonic embellishment. The musical effect is a mixture of awesome reverence and earthly sensuousness. The combination of four different women's voices in perfect unison creates a richly colored sound that can lull or console or uplift. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

Great Medieval Plainsong. Not all from Hildegard.......2005-11-04

'11,000 Virgins - Chants for the Feast of St. Ursula' performed by the vocal quartet, Anonymous 4' is 72 minutes of music at least as good as any of their other albums. But, over half of the pieces on this record are by medieval composers OTHER than Fraulein Hildegard. So, the emphasis of the album is much more on 'Chants for the Feast of St. Ursula' than on Hildegard.

This does not disappoint, as the performances are superb, regardless of the composer. My only regret is that the notes did not tell more of the story of the 11,000 virgins. When I was visiting the Rhineland, this was a big local story, even though it happened over a 1,000 years ago, even before Hildegard's time.

But that's minor grousing. This is great music. Buy it if you like Medieval liturgical music!

Approaching perfection..........2005-10-13

The music on this CD comes from the great Hildegard of Bingen, one of the towering female figures from the Middle Ages. Hildegard is not only one of the few women whose name has come down to us from the Middle Ages, but one of the few composers of any sort whose name survives together with his or her compositions. Hildegard was a sort of Renaissance woman before the Renaissance, whose fame spread in her lifetime such that she was advisor of monarchs and popes, as well as a significant creative and mystical figure.

Between 1150 and 1160, she composed and collected poetry and musical works under the title 'Symphony of the Harmony of Celestial Revelations'. Much of her music was monophonic in nature, and tied to the liturgy. The Anonymous 4 in their performance sometimes add polyphonic embellishments and vocal drones to chants and psalmody.

Hildegard's abbey possessed relics of St. Ursula, and Hildegard wrote many pieces in honour of the saint to be performed by the women of her abbey. This particular recording of women's voices doing these pieces is therefore quite natural and back to the original intent of Hildegard's compositions.

Hildegard's style is unique, as are the vocal talents of the Anonymous 4 - the combination here is something that approaches perfection.

-- Liner Notes --
This text accompaniment to this disc is very full, so much so that the booklet is not contained within the jewel case, but rather within a slipcover in which both the CD/jewel case and the booklet reside. The liner notes include a description of the work, a brief piece about the quartet, and the lyrics of the songs both in original language and in translation - all repeated in English, German, and French sections.

-- Anonymous 4 --
Contrary to the implication of their name, the Anonymous 4 are not anonymous. This is a vocal quartet made up of Ruth Cunningham, Marsha Genensky, Susan Hellauer, and Johanna Rose at the time of this recording (Ruth Cunningham will later go on to a solo career early, and another member will join - Jacqueline Horner). They came together as a formal group in 1986, and have been ensemble-in-residence at St. Michael's Church in New York City, giving concert series in New York as well as throughout North America. They have been featured a number of times on national media in North America as well as Germany. They then went on to yet more success, eventually performing more that 1000 concerts worldwide.

Their specialty is working with chant, monophonic and polyphonic music, and working with medieval texts. According to one source, 'The group takes its name from an anonymous music theorist of the late 13th century, Anonymous IV, who is the principal source on the two famous composers of the Notre Dame school, Léonin and Pérotin.'

The group ended a touring career of nearly two decades in 2004.

beautiful, meditative music.......2001-10-28

This is beautiful music. The four women's voices are so soothing. This is an ideal CD to listen to if for relaxation, meditation, or prayer. I listen to it while I practice yoga. The music is also very important historically, as Hildegard von Bingen is one of the few women composers in the history of Western music. Many of these insipiring tracks were written by her.

Glorious Music.......2000-11-30

Another superb CD by "Annonymous 4", these women are some of the best at creating music for the soul. Quite meditative in nature it is truly amazing that this music was written so long ago and continues to inspire. The accompanying booklet gives you plenty of background information on Hildegard von Bingen and why these songs were written. The included artwork is an additional bonus if you're inclined to like the works of Hildegard von Bingen. The music is just sheer beauty, angelic voices in a world of chaos. The music is relaxing and perfect for creative and contemplative moods. The perfect reading music or for that matter anytime the pace needs to be slowed down . It is best listened to to free one's mind of all earthly concerns and to focus on more spiritual matters. An excellent choice for those moments of connecting to the meaning and purpose of our existences.

There's something about this one........2000-03-31

Meditative, haunting, stirring- an archetypical mastery of the female voice in Christian chant. 73 minutes.

The Origin of Fire: Music and Visions of Hildegard von Bingen [Hybrid SACD]

Average customer rating:

Best of the Hildegard recordings so far

The Origin of Fire: Music and Visions of Hildegard von Bingen [Hybrid SACD]

Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Chants | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Hildegard Von Bingen: 11,000 Virgins [Hybrid SACD]
Feather on the Breath of God
Vivaldi: Four Seasons [Hybrid SACD]

ASIN: B00070EBRG
Release Date: 2005-06-14

Customer Reviews:

Best of the Hildegard recordings so far.......2007-01-13

I own nearly all of the recordings of Hildegard von Bingen's work, some on LP, CD, and SACD. Origin of Fire has rapidly become my favorite. First, it contains some of her best (to my ears) works. Second, the performance is top notch - flawless, involved singing. Third, the SACD layer (sorry, have not listened to the red book layer yet) is fabulous. Bottom line: I never get tired of listening to it. Yesterday, it came up as the next disc in the 5 I had loaded in my player, right after some nice mellow Bill Evans. It stopped me in my tracks: I sighed and noticably relaxed. If Hildegard is your cup of tea, this particular cup is extremely tasty.

Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179): Lieder und Antiphonen

Average customer rating:

An enjoyable bargain

Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179): Lieder und Antiphonen

Manufacturer: Entree
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Magnificats | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0000044M2
Release Date: 1995-03-23

Tracks:

2 Antiphone: Caritas Abundat In Omnia
2 Antiphone: O Virtus Sapientiae
Motette, 3stimmig: Sancta Maria
Antiphon: O Quam Mirabilis
Motette, 3stimmig: Beata Dei Genetrix
Antiphon: Hodie Aperuit Nobis Clausa Porta
Motette, 3stimmig: Beata Mater Et Innupta Virgo
Alleluia. O Virga, Mediatrix
Motette, 4stimmig: Ave Maria Gratia Plena
Responsorium: O Clarissima Mater
Motetten, 3stimmig: Speciosa Facta Es
Motetten, 3stimmig: Alma Redemptoris Mater
Antiphon: O Frodens Virga
Magnificat Octavi Toni (3stimmig)

Customer Reviews:

An enjoyable bargain.......2001-09-29

Though Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179) is the composer most prominently displayed on the CD cover, she's the odd person out here; not because she's the only woman composer among the four represented, but because she lived three centuries before Dufay, Dunstable and Brassart, and because those three were known to each other and had direct stylistic connections to each other. Dunstable, who was probably the first to write instrumental accompaniment for church music (e.g., Track 3 here), influenced Dufay, as well as the lesser known Brassart.

Tracks:

O Quam Mirabilis Est
O Pulchare Facies (De Virginibus)
O Virga. Ac Diadema Purpurae Regis
Instrumental
O Clarissima Mater (De Sancta Maria)
Instrumental
Spiritual Sancto Honor Sit (De Undecim Milibus Virginibus)
O Virtus Sapientiae
O Lucidissima Apostolorum
Instrumental
O Successores Fortissimi Leonis (De Confessoribus)
O Vos, Felices Radices (De Patriarchis Et Prophetis)
Instrumental
Vos Flores Rosarum (De Martyribus)

900 Years - Hildegard von Bingen / Sequentia

Average customer rating:

Ecstasy!
A Collection to Treasure

900 Years - Hildegard von Bingen / Sequentia
Hildegard von Bingen , and Sequentia
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Box Sets | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00000B9MS
Release Date: 1998-09-15

Tracks:

Canticles Of Ecstasy: O vis aeternitatis
Canticles Of Ecstasy: Nunc aperuit nobis
Canticles Of Ecstasy: Quia ergo femina mortem instruxit
Canticles Of Ecstasy: Cum processit factura digiti Dei
Canticles Of Ecstasy: Alma Redemptoris Mater
Canticles Of Ecstasy: Ave Maria, O auctrix vite
Canticles Of Ecstasy: Spiritus Sanctus vivificans vite
Canticles Of Ecstasy: O ignis spiritus Paracliti
Canticles Of Ecstasy: Caritas habundat in omnia
Canticles Of Ecstasy: O virgia mediatrix
Canticles Of Ecstasy: O virdissima virga, Ave
Canticles Of Ecstasy: Instrumental Piece
Canticles Of Ecstasy: O Pastor Animarum
Canticles Of Ecstasy: O tu suavissima virga
Canticles Of Ecstasy: O choruscans stellarum
Canticles Of Ecstasy: O nobilissima viriditas

Tracks:

Voice Of The Blood: O rubor sanguinis
Voice Of The Blood: Favus distillans
Voice Of The Blood: Laus Trinitati
Voice Of The Blood: In Matutinis Laudibus: 1. Studium Divinitatis; 2. Unde quocumque; 3. De patria; 4. Deus enim; 5. Aer enim volat; 6. Et ideo puellae; 7. Deus enim rorem; 8. Sed Diabolus
Voice Of The Blood: O Ecclesia
Voice Of The Blood: Instrumental Piece
Voice Of The Blood: O aeterne Deus
Voice Of The Blood: O dulcissime amator
Voice Of The Blood: Rex noster promptus est
Voice Of The Blood: O cruor sanguinis
Voice Of The Blood: Cum vox sanguinis
Voice Of The Blood: Instrumental Piece
Voice Of The Blood: O virgo Ecclesia
Voice Of The Blood: Nunc guadeant materna
Voice Of The Blood: O orzchis Ecclesia

Tracks:

O Jerusalem
O Jerusalem: Quia felix puericia - Magnificat - Quia felix puericia
O Jerusalem: O felix apparicio
O Jerusalem: O beatissime Ruperte
O Jerusalem: Instrumental Piece
O Jerusalem: O tu illustrata
O Jerusalem: Cum erubuerint
O Jerusalem: O frondens virga - Gloria Patri; Ave, generosa
O Jerusalem: O quam preciosa
O Jerusalem: O ignee spiritus
O Jerusalem: Instrumental Piece
O Jerusalem: O quam magnam miraculum est

Tracks:

Symphoniae (Spiritual Songs): O quam mirabilis est
Symphoniae (Spiritual Songs): O pulchrae facies
Symphoniae (Spiritual Songs): O virga ac diadema purpurae regis
Symphoniae (Spiritual Songs): Instrumental Piece
Symphoniae (Spiritual Songs): O clarissima mater
Symphoniae (Spiritual Songs): Instrumental Piece
Symphoniae (Spiritual Songs): Spiritui Sancto honor sit
Symphoniae (Spiritual Songs): O virtus sapientiae
Symphoniae (Spiritual Songs): O lucidissima Apostolorum turba
Symphoniae (Spiritual Songs): Instrumental Piece
Symphoniae (Spiritual Songs): O successores fortissimi leonis
Symphoniae (Spiritual Songs): O vos, felices radices
Symphoniae (Spiritual Songs): Instrumental Piece
Symphoniae (Spiritual Songs): Vos flores rosarum

Tracks:

Ordo Virtutum: Prologue: Qui sunt hi, qui ut nubes?
Ordo Virtutum: Processional Of Embodied Souls
Ordo Virtutum: Scene 1: O nos peregrine sumus
Ordo Virtutum: Anima Processional
Ordo Virtutum: Scene 1 (Cont'd): O dulcis divinitas
Ordo Virtutum: Anima Processional
Ordo Virtutum: Scene 1 (Cont'd): O gravis labor
Ordo Virtutum: Instrumental Dance - Tanz
Ordo Virtutum: Scene 2: Ego Humilitas
Ordo Virtutum: Instrumental Dance

Tracks:

Ordo Virtutum: Interlude: Symphonia: O quam magnum miraculum
Ordo Virtutum: Interlude: Symphonia: O felix anima
Ordo Virtutum: Interlude: Symphonia: O quam mirabilis
Ordo Virtutum: Instrumental lament - Klageweise
Ordo Virtutum: Scene 3: Heu! Heu! nos virtutes plangamus
Ordo Virtutum: Scene 4: Que es, aut unde venis?
Ordo Virtutum: Finale: In principio

Tracks:

Saints: To God The Father: O magne pater
Saints: To Saint Boniface: O Bonifaci
Saints: To Saint Disibodus: O mirum admirandum; Domini est terra
Saints: Instrumental Piece
Saints: O viriditas digiti dei
Saints: O beata infantia; Domine Dominus noster
Saints: O felix anima
Saints: Instrumental Piece
Saints: O presul vere civitatis

Tracks:

Saints: To Saint Maximinus: Columba aspexit
Saints: To Saint Maximinus: Instrumental Piece
Saints: To Saint Ursula : O Ecclesia
Saints: To Saint Ursula : Spiritui Sancto
Saints: To Saint Mathias: Mathias, sanctus per electionem
Saints: To The Holy Widows: O pater omnium
Saints: To Saint Eucharius: O Euchari, columba virtutem illius
Saints: To Saint Eucharius: O Euchari, in leta via ambulasti

Amazon.com's Best of 1998

For all the effort put behind the Hildegard von Bingen revival in the past decade, no one has been as persistent as Sequentia. They capped their Hildegard cycles in 1998 with the two-CD set Saints and then this eight-CD collection. Nowhere else can you get such a focused study, showing exemplary growth in vision and polyphonic presentation. The music isn't flashy, but it's inventive in methodical steps and an abiding sense of vocal textures that sounds multidimensionally complex and still categorically engrossing. --Andrew Bartlett

Amazon.com

Founded in 1977 in Cologne by Barbara Thornton and Benjamin Bagby, Sequentia set out in the early 1990s to document the entire catalog of Hildegard Von Bingen's music. They've completed the Hildegard cycle, and this eight-CD box collects the results in a solid, handsome cube--perfect for the bookshelf. The beauty of the music is undeniable and has wowed listeners since Canticles of Ecstasy set an international community of listeners on a path of discovery in 1994. The big bonus now is that you can skip over the periods of wowed seduction that will follow the inaugural listen, and take in the entire collection of single- and double-CD issues Sequentia has devoted to Hildegard's music. The recordings (and obviously the repertoire) are not particularly new, of course, but Sequentia has taken Hildegard to places no previous interpreter reached. Firstly, the group has been absolutely methodical with Hildegard, reaching always for the goal of a large collection of CDs by the 900-year anniversary of the composer's birth. Second, they've refined and perfected their take on Hildegard since first presenting this music almost 20 years ago. They've found smoother lines of execution--not to make the music in any way easier for listeners but rather in better proportion to Hildegard's philosophically well-proportioned vantage on music, spirituality, and life. Thus we have the collection of spiritual songs, Symphoniae, which relay earthly and celestial being to the polyphony of multiple voices and musical threads woven into the songs. We also have the breathlessly beautiful two CDs of Ordo Virtutum, a not-uncommon near-operatic corollary to medieval morality plays. This collection allows both newbies and committed fans the opportunity to work their way through hours and hours of musical bliss. --Andrew Bartlett

Customer Reviews:

Ecstasy!.......2001-04-28

This is a wonderful collection of CDs. The early music includes plain song, male and female chant, and instrumental pieces. The package is gorgeous with Bizantine fresco art work on each jewel case. For those contemplating purchase, the group is composed of previous releases: Canticles of Estacy, Voice of Blood, O Jerusalem, Symphoniae, Ordo Virtutum, and Saints. These total $117.28 if you buy them individually so there is a real savings here. Those who are new to early music are in for a treat. This is music so old it is new, and as has been said, could be music of 900 years into the future. It is so other worldly, you are easily put into a meditative state. There is enough music here to fill your whole day with ecstasy.

A Collection to Treasure.......2000-08-16

When my daughter was born about a year ago I initiated the project of collecting some of the "better music" for her, fearing that if she was only exposed to my preferred music she'd end up being a bass player in a biker band someday. I started with the Mozart piano concertos, then went to lots of Bach and other Baroque masterpieces, even ventured into some Wendy Carlos, with her "Turned On Bach." I cringe to think how much I've spent in the last year, although I must say that the investment has been worth every penny. We actually have neighbors occasionally knocking on our door wanting to know what the music is which we are playing. It seems there is an untapped market for higher music. Well, suffice it to say that I was linked to this "900 Years" set from some other CD which I was contemplating and for some reason I was tantilized, without really knowing exactly what to expect.

This music is divine, total heaven on plastic. It is prolonged euphoria. The ambience is so pervasive that it just seizes you, totally centers your focus, lifts your imagination. Without degenerating into too many additional cliches, let me just suggest that this music gives me a tremendous sense of well-being, a feeling which seems to be more elusive to me as the years go by.

I've only played it through two times in the past month since I received it, as it is quite lengthy and I don't want to desensitize myself to it. I listen to it in the morning when I'm first waking up. It brings me blissfully out of the twilight of my dreams into the vast possibilities for a new day. If one doesn't listen closely a superficial criticism may emerge that the CD's all sound similar. Play them again when you can focus more on the music and this concern will disappear. I will mention as well that if you don't have a one year old running your household, as I do, this music will be absolutely perfect for you and your favored one to listen to in front of the fireplace.

I don't have a sufficient command of the lexicon of this type of music to properly describe it to you: what comes to mind are floating feminine voices, clear resonant stringed instruments, it does indeed seems like the music of a thousand years ago, a thousand years from now. This is the music of eternity. I haven't yet read the substantive brochures which are enclosed respectively in each of the "jewel" cases, I'm afraid they may alter my interpretation of the music. If you're into that type of thing, however, I will mention that this is the best "packaged" box set I've yet purchased (of probably around 100). Each CD box has an outrageously beautiful piece of medieval art on it which perfectly compliments the music.

Tracks:

O quam mirabilis
O ecclesia
O clarissima mater
O te illustrata
Dawn (1985)
Quarry weave 1 (1976)
Quarry lullaby (1976)
Quarry weave 2 (1976)
Farmer's song (1974)
Astronaut anthem (1983)
Nightfall (1995)

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful spiritual music.......2002-07-09

This remarkable album starts with four compositions by the medieval German mystic Hildegard von Bingen: O Quam Mirabilis (Antiphon for the Creator), O Ecclesia (Sequence for St. Ursula), O Clarissima Mater (Responsory for the Virgin) and Tu Illustrata (Antiphon for the Virgin), while the second part contains a selection of Meredith Monk's compositions from her earlier albums like Chacon, Quarry, The Book of Days and The Games. Both Monk's own music and the interpretations of Hildegard's songs are deeply spiritual, radiating a ritualistic feel unbound by any particular type of belief system. The sound sculptures often seem to evoke an unknown ancient culture with its mixture of non-Western vocalising and pure-toned medieval chanting. The vocal style is non-vibrato, with austere intervals, similar to medieval poliphony. The structures unfold with exquisite subtlety and repetition is used to incantatory effect with a deeply spiritual resonance. Unlike the gothic weirdness of Dolmen Music, Monk and the Abbess is highly accessible and should appeal to those who appreciate vocal medieval and classical music.

excellent, innovative.......1999-12-08

For those of you looking for a beginner's CD of Hildegard von Bingen's music, TAKE NOTE. As a beginner myself, I can say that this has immediately become one of my favorite CDs.

The CD begins with 4 chants by Hildegard von Bingen, all of which are sung beautifully by Musica Sacra. The songs after that are a collection of works over the years by Meredith Monk, and these are some of the most evocative choral pieces I've heard.

I'll admit, I was a little put off at first when I saw that Monk was a modern composer. I had listened to "Vision," another CD with Hildegard's music. I was expecting chant; instead I got a modernized interpretation of her music. If you're looking for a starter CD of pure chant by Hildegard, "Vision" is NOT the one. Try "Luminous Spirit" instead.

Be that as it may, I was very pleasantly surprised when I listened to Monk's pieces. Unadorned voices blend to create a compelling soundscape. And Monk does some innovative things with the voices, delightfully bending the rules of traditional chant without compromising the purity of the tones. Try "Dawn" or "Astronaut Anthem" as examples.

Tracks:

O Magne Pater
O Aeterne Deus
Ave, Generosa, Gloriosa Et Intacta Puella
O Frondens Virga
Planctus David Super Saul Et Ionatha
O Felix Anima
Ave, Maria, O Auctrix Vitae
O Quanta Qualia
Promat Chorus Hodie
Annus Novus In Gaudio
Fulget Dies Celebris
O Quam Mirabilis
O Virtus Sapientiae
O Vis Aeternitatis

Customer Reviews:

Planctus David Super Saul Et Ionatha .......2006-07-18

The Abelard piece "Planctus David Super Saul Et Ionatha" is a minor masterpiece irrespective of who the author would have been. This is an amazing piece of early music.

Among the Earliest of Composers.......2000-08-11

This is an intriguing CD; it contains some of the earliest music attributable to a known composer. Born shortly before the end of the 11th century, between 13 and 32 years following the Norman conquest of England in 1066, Peter Abelard (1079-1142) and Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179) are among the earliest composers of record. Given that passage of time, however, I wonder whether there has been any significant change between what we are hearing and the performances of 900 years ago.

Having said that though, these are very enjoyable performances, and anyone who has enjoyed the recordings by the Benedictine Monks of Santo Domingo de Silos on the CD Chant, should also enjoy this CD as well.

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