David Lynch - Lux Vivens (Living Light): The Music Of Hildegard Von Bingen

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• One of the most interesting of the myriad of offerings which emerged during the recent 900th birthday celebration of von Bingen and her works.

Music reviews of Lux Vivens (Living Light): The Music Of Hildegard Von Bingen

Music Review: Ethereal Pleasure
Rating: 4 Stars

Hildegard's music is fascinating and beautiful. People have listened to these songs for centuries. Indeed, this music moves us to the depths, even though most of us do not know Latin well enough to understand the words. The lyrics are somewhat incidental, paradoxically not the most important aspect of this music that invokes one's soul on its journey to God. I wonder what it was like for people to hear this music performed for the first time, in a world that accepted the existence of God as a given. Many must have joined the Church in a thirst never to be separated from such beauty.

David Lynch's approach is to provide a restrained frame for the songs. The effect is to make them seem somewhat familiar to contemporary listeners. Lynch wisely does not try to overwhelm the music. Because he approaches Hildegaard's music with respect and restraint, the result is authentic and interesting.

The a cappella renditions of Hildegard's music by groups such as Anonymous 4 have contributed greatly to our collective rediscovery of early music. "Lux Vivens" is a worthy member of the group of recordings that are bringing this music back to us in all its glory. Although the music stands on its own, I wish that the producers had taken time to develop some liner notes. I would like to know more about each selection and to understand its context and message.

I agree that this CD could serve one well as "homework music," but I find it strangely compelling, worthy of many close listenings. It is extremely difficult to exhaust Hildegard's gifts. Each new glance seems to uncover yet another hidden diamond. Kudos to David Lynch and Jocelyn Montgomery for such fine work.

Description of Lux Vivens (Living Light): The Music Of Hildegard Von Bingen

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