VOX ANGELICA: Chants of Heaven and Earth

Vox Angelica

Chants of Heaven and Earth

© 2003 Vox Angelica (828999008322)

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The timeless transcendent beauty of the 12th century chants of the mystic Hildegard von Bingen sung by the exqusite voices of three women with added vocal innovations within the medieval style.

tracks

1 Laus Trinitati
2 Quia Ergo Femina
3 O Virgo Ecclesia
4 Cum Processit Factura
5 Karitas Habundat
6 Vos Flores Rosarum
7 O Viridissima Virga
8 O Quam Magnum Miraculum Est
9 O Virtus Sapientie
10 Cum Erubuerint
11 O Frondens Virga
12 O Successores
13 O Quam Preciosa
14 O Pulcre Facies
15 O Magne Pater
16 O Cruor Sanguinis
17 O Virga Mediatrix
18 O Ignee Spiritus
19 O Pastor Animarum
20 O Vos imitatores
21 Nunc Aperuit

notes

Vox Angelica, a medieval chant trio, specializes in the music of the 12th century mystic, Hildegard von Bingen, whose chants were inspired by her visions and whose melodies were said to have come from what she heard in the celestial spheres. Hildegard's life as an abbess, prophetess, visionary, healer, and composer speaks to the connection to the divine in all of us.

Vox Angelica was formed in 1999 by like-minded, professionally trained singers who wanted to explore the impact of chant in their lives and to offer chant to the modern day listener. Since then, Vox Angelica has created many concerts of chant, sometimes enhanced by liturgical dance and inspired readings. The singers bring expertise to the singing of Hildegard von Bingen's complex music as well as a deep affection for the medieval mystic herself. They have researched and studied the life and times of Hildegard and strive to maintain the integrity of the chant style as she would have envisioned it.

At the same time, they engage the modern listener with vocal innovations, including textural changes, drones, early vocal music polyphony. Their arrangements can be lively, mysterious, haunting, and even daring, but always inspired by Hildegard's inspiration that singing is a sacred act.

In 2000, Vox Angelica became Artists-in-Residence at the newly renovated Cathedral of St. Andrew in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The CD was recorded at St. Andrew's acoustically spacious space which along with the exquisite singing of the trio gives an otherworldly transcendence to the music.

Vox Angelica is Gwendolyn Faasen, Carol Sahakian Grady, and Barbara Witham McCargar.

reviews

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  • Ethereal!
    author: Cheryl Dzubak

    Truly breathtaking voices of angels! Very peaceful and relaxing!

  • It is beautiful music - so peaceful and haunting at the same time!
    author: Deborah Frontczak

    The harmonies, acoustics, and the purity of their voices immerse you in an ethereal world that is only reached through music. Listening is truly a mystical experience, making you wonder what Hildegard's visions were like. My only question is: will they be publishing the scores?

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