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| Feather on the Breath of God | 
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| Creators: Hildegard Of Bingen, Doreen Muskett, Emily Van Evera, Emma Kirkby, Judith Stell, Poppy Holden, Andrew Parrott, Howard Milner, Kevin Breen
Label: Hyperion UK
Category: Music
List Price: $23.98
Buy New: $14.24
You Save: $9.74 (41%)
New (28) Used (16) from $7.49
Avg. Customer Rating:  20 reviews
Sales Rank: 53795
Format: Import
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 5.6 x 5 x 0.5
MPN: 66039
UPC: 034571160399
EAN: 0034571160399
ASIN: B000002ZGD
Release Date: September 1, 1993
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: Factory sealed. BMG edition. Free upgrade to first class on standard shipping. International orders ship by airmail. Read my feedback and buy with confidence. Satisfaction guaranteed.
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| Customer Reviews:
 Radiant January 6, 2001
12 out of 13 found this review helpful
The debut of the Gothic Voices singers, this disc won numerous awards. Its program illustrates purity of tone and simple calm textures in the singing of 12th century Christian hymns written by Abbess Hildegard. The poetic pieces are for one, three, or four largely unaccompanied female voices, or a properly segregated trio of male tenors. They usually sing homophonically in sweet concordant harmony. Decorative flourishes are few, aside from melismas. The voice qualities and combinations in different songs avoid monotony. The sound is not thin but becomes nearly mesmerizing and spiritually (not aurally) ecstatic, especially if I followed into the remarkably personal, sensual, pious, and visionary praise texts (reprinted in three languages alongside the original Latin). Radiant as are the texts-in-song, the performances tie Hildegard to earth; the import of the words extends greatly beyond what, to our ears, are pleasantly tranquil sounds. The remastered 20th anniversary reissue (CDA20039) is still 45 minutes, but at a lower price for the always excellent sounding Hyperion label. I was very surprised to hear on the PBS "Apocalypse (Book of Revelations)" program that this same Hildegard had a hand in creating the antisemitic "Antichrist" and Crusader pogroms. Evidently a woman of renown not above the passions of her times.
An Experience You Will Cherish March 5, 1999
11 out of 11 found this review helpful
This CD is an absolutely beautiful collection of works by the legendary St. Hildegarde. The Gothic Voices performers instill a sense of being there, as if you are in a magnificent church with the Abess herself and her choir reaching out to you across the centuries.Granted the 800 year anniversary of Hildegarde's birthday has brought about a trendy interest in her musical works. But I have been fascinated with her historical accomplishments for over 10 years, and this CD reminded why... her inner magic for peace, serenity, and well being. Listen to this collection once and you'll see what I mean. Hildegarde once wrote that she felt she was one of God's favorite tools, and that her music was her tacticum of ultimatum. This was meant to say that if God couldnt reach a person through the everyday practices of the church, then music was the last fail-proof resort. I think this recording captured that, and even if you dont listen to this for any sort of religious purpose, your spirit will be moved nonetheless and in whatever direction you so desire.
Wondrous Music December 8, 1999
10 out of 11 found this review helpful
Abbess Hildegaard of Bingen's music is ethereal. And it has the capacity to make the listener conscious of what Hildegaard observed in her visions. I own several CDs of Hildegaard's music, and Gothic Voices in "A Feather on the Breath of God" stands heads and shoulders above the others. If the prospective buyer enjoys Medieval music, has never heard Hildegaard, and can buy only one CD, this one is it.
Unparalleled recording April 22, 2004
9 out of 9 found this review helpful
I've been listening to this CD for about ten years, and it is amazing and inspiring. Abbess Hildegard's music is the definition of ethereal--a pulseless forge of beauty. Kirkby and the Gothic Voices are great interpreters of Hildegard's "Symphonia." My favorite track is "O Ierusalem" which has almost a 12th century hook (Kirkby sings it at a driving tempo, and her phrasing brings out the rhythmic loops and subtly changing landscape of this awesome piece).
The great thing about classical music June 3, 2005
9 out of 9 found this review helpful
Is that you can keep discovering new and beautiful music. New? It's only 900 years old. This is a case of something which I would never have thought I'd have an interest in, but upon listening have had my mind opened and educated.
The story of Hildegard is amazing in and of itself; that she could write such beautiful music is even more fascinating.
Highly recommended for those who love choral, contemplative music.
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