Feather on the Breath of God

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential recording
This is the record that started the Hildegard craze back in 1982--and you need only listen to Emma Kirkby glide and soar through Columba aspexit (the opening hymn) to understand why. Gothic Voices performs the music very simply, either alternating soloists and unison choir over a drone or using a single unaccompanied voice. The singers render Hildegard's extravagant poetic imagery and melody not with the rhythmically fluid, ecstatic approach favored by Sequentia, but with equalist rhythm and a calm, meditative quality. Gothic Voices' straightforward approach is less likely to send you into a rapturous trance than is Sequentia's, but in the hands of such fine singers as Kirkby, Margaret Philpot, and Emily van Evera, Hildegard's extraordinary texts and melodies are captivating--and clear enough to linger in the memory as melodies rather than just sensations. This record is still Hyperion's bestselling title by far--try it and find out why. --Matthew Westphal

Tracks:

Sequentia de Sancto Maximo: Columba aspexit
Ymnus de Sancta Maria: Ave, generosa
Sequentia de Spiritu Sancto: O ignis spiritus
De Sancto Ruperto: O ierusalem
De sancto Euchario sequentia: O Euchari
De Sancta Maria: O viridissima virga
Sequentia de Sancto Dysibodo: O presul vere civitatis
De Undecim Milibus Virginbus: O Ecclesia

Amazon.com essential recording

This is the record that started the Hildegard craze back in 1982--and you need only listen to Emma Kirkby glide and soar through Columba aspexit (the opening hymn) to understand why. Gothic Voices performs the music very simply, either alternating soloists and unison choir over a drone or using a single unaccompanied voice. The singers render Hildegard's extravagant poetic imagery and melody not with the rhythmically fluid, ecstatic approach favored by Sequentia, but with equalist rhythm and a calm, meditative quality. Gothic Voices' straightforward approach is less likely to send you into a rapturous trance than is Sequentia's, but in the hands of such fine singers as Kirkby, Margaret Philpot, and Emily van Evera, Hildegard's extraordinary texts and melodies are captivating--and clear enough to linger in the memory as melodies rather than just sensations. This record is still Hyperion's bestselling title by far--try it and find out why. --Matthew Westphal

Customer Reviews:

Hyponotic music from an early great composer.......2007-03-10

The Abbess Hildegard of Bingen wrote hypnotic, haunting music a thousand years ago (she lived from 1098-1179). The notes from this CD state that: "This recording draws upon Hildegard's large collection of music and poetry. . .which she continued to enlarge and enrich throughout her life. It contains some of the finest songs ever written in the Middle Ages. . . . The songs are conceived on a large--sometimes a massive--scale; it is in superabundance that Hildegard found herself both as poetess and composer." Hers is a very different style of music from what we are used to today. And the voices of Emma Kirkby and "Gothic Voices" (a group) appear to capture the spirit and soul of this music well.

Kirkby has a crystalline clear and clean voice. In "Columba aspexit," Kirkby and supporting voices paint a musical tapestry that is hypnotic (a common phrase that can be used across the songs). In "Ave, generosa," Kirkby sings the hymn solo and without any instrumental backing. An enchanting piece. Three tenors from "A Gothic Voice" essay "O ignis spiritus." Their voices meld together well and their take on this has a spiritual element. A final example (no need to mention each of the cuts on the CD). . . . "O Jerusalem" features both Kirkby and some members of "A Gothic Voice." The voices play off one another well. Another nicely done work.

This is a good introduction to ancient but interesting music. Kirkby once again shows her skills off to good effect, with an assist from "A Gothic Voice."

One of my favorite albums of all time........2007-03-06

This is the best Hildegard von Bingen recording I have heard. It features the marvelous English soprano, Emma Kirkby.

This is an older recording. I first bought the album on vinyl. I bought it again on CD. Now it is in heavy rotation on my ipod. This is simply one of the best pieces of vocal music ever recorded, any age, any genre.

Enjoy.

Luminous.......2006-11-27

Landmark recording of the early Kirkby glorying in this beautiful music. Ears that can do East and West may like to sample 'Shruti' by Sangeeta Bandyopadhyay - a similarly evocative and remarkable recording.

Heavenly.......2006-11-15

This CD is a Masterpiece. I often play this before I go to sleep. If you want a CD that will totally relax you and clear your sole then you can't go past this great piece of work. The music and voices are Heavenly. I really admire Hildgard and her work. She was very ahead of her time. I very highly recommend this CD to anyone who loves beauty.

Short, but still the very best of Hildegard of Bingen. Buy It........2005-12-20

'A feather on the breath of God' is a performance of eight 'Sequences and Hymns' by Abbess Hildegard of Bingen' which has been lauded by Gramophone Magazine as a 'Best of' in the year it was released.

I have heard two other performances of Hildegard of Bingen compositions and to my amateur ear, these are the best. With soloist Emma Kirkby plus the instrumental backup, they are certainly more interesting than the a capella treatment by the Anononymous 4.

Very highly recommended.

Average customer rating:

This is my favorite cd to massage to.....................
My favorite trance inducing music
Response to person who questioned the samples
Definitely Music from Angels!
My favorite massage CD

Feather on the Breath of God
Erin Jacobsen
Manufacturer: Serenity Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B00000IAJZ
Release Date: 1999-06-15

Tracks:

Song For The Lord
The Meadow
The Last Supper
The Valley
Grace
A Simple Path
Feather On The Breath Of God

Customer Reviews:

This is my favorite cd to massage to............................2006-02-17

As a licensed massage therapist, you are always looking for something that you as well as your clients will enjoy, and this cd does it well!! It has been a favorite for awhile and will continue to be. I never tire of it, to me it's very soulful!!

My favorite trance inducing music.......2003-06-18

As a professional hypnotherapist I always search for music that is suitable to use in the background during sessions. In the 14 years that I've been in practice, this is the best music that I've found. It evokes emotion while providing nurturing support. I highly recommend it.

Response to person who questioned the samples.......2002-11-06

This is NOT the CD with music by Hildegard of Bingen, whose title is "A Feather on the Breath of God." That too is found on Amazon.com.

This CD IS a delightful collection of instrumental - synthesized music most suitable for meditation, bodywork, or contemplative groups.

Definitely Music from Angels!.......2001-10-30

This CD has become my all time favorite the past year. Whenever I've been stressed, feeling depressed, or just needing to feel some peace in my life...this music fills my soul and renews my spirit. All of the songs are wonderful. I highly recommend it!!

My favorite massage CD.......2000-04-18

I bought this CD because I liked the title, figuring if I didn't like it, I'd find someone who did and give it away. Not a chance that I'll let go of it! This is wonderful inner space music; I've played it for many, many clients on my massage table and to a soul, they like it. Perfect mood, perfect length, just a wondrous piece of art.

Average customer rating:

Divine!

Floating World
Riley Lee , and Marshall Mcguire
Manufacturer: New World Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | International | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music

Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B0002IQBLW
Release Date: 2004-07-06

Tracks:

Pavane
Pavane De La Belle Au Bois Dormant
Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte
Pour Invoquer Pan, Dieu Du Vent D'Ete
Berceuse Du Vent Dans Les Cerisiers
Le Koto Chante Pour L'absent
1ere Gymnopedie
2eme Gymnopedie
3eme Gymnopedie
4eme Gnossienne
Requiem: Pie Jesu
Sacremental Lullaby
Dream Of The Moon Flower
Deep Night Cicada
A Feather On The Breath Of God

Album Description

This collection of exquisite French, Japanese and Australian compositions played on shakuhachi and harp takes us into the realm of a mystical imagination. Works featured are by Faure, Satie, Ravel, Debussy, Tournier, Fukuda, Kozu and Australian composer Anny Boyd. This is a very special album ideal for relaxation, meditation or simply for pure enjoyment.

Customer Reviews:

Divine!.......2004-11-28

Slip into something entirely more comfortable with this magical CD. You will indeed be floating as you drift along listening to Riley Lee's melodic, dainty, soulful playing. Light and delicate, there is never a jarring moment. As such it makes great background music, but allow yourself to focus on the sounds and you will be uplifted. You may find yourself picturing a butterfly hovering over a colourful buddleia in full bloom. Music like this helps one get in touch with the senses and the imagination. Buy it!

A Feather on the Breath of God [Gramophone Award Winners Special Limited Edition]

Average customer rating:

anybody out there?

A Feather on the Breath of God [Gramophone Award Winners Special Limited Edition]

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
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
ASIN: B0000CDVR2
Release Date: 2003-11-11

Customer Reviews:

anybody out there?.......2007-04-02

i can't believe nobody else has reviewed this great recording! choral music by abbess hildegard of bingen (1098-1179) performed by a collective calling themselves "gothic voices." what an incredible recording of choral work. the medieval age of sound is brought back to vivid life by these wonderful singers. this is completely mesmerizing stuff. i give it my highest recommendations to one and all. truly a desert island disc of choral beauty and perfection.

A Feather on the Breath of God: Sequences and Hymns by Abbess Hildegard of Bingen

Average customer rating:

A Feather on the Breath of God: Sequences and Hymns by Abbess Hildegard of Bingen

ProductGroup: Classical
Binding: Audio CD
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ASIN: B000AM8R3A

A Feather on the Breath of God [20th Anniversary Special Limited Edition]

Average customer rating:

Hyponotic music from an early great composer
One of my favorite albums of all time.
Luminous
Heavenly
Short, but still the very best of Hildegard of Bingen. Buy It.

A Feather on the Breath of God [20th Anniversary Special Limited Edition]

Manufacturer: Hyperion
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
Similar Items: