Vajra

Hildegard von Bingen - O Eterne Deus - Vajra Voices (2016) {Music & Arts Official Digital Download}
FLAC (tracks) - 16bit/44kHz - Official Digital Download (qobuz.com) -> 226 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 118 Mb
Full Artwork (pdf+jpg) -> 21 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 2016 Music & Arts | CD-1291
Classical / Medieval / Early Music / Sacred Vocal Music

The music of the 12th century poet and composer Hildegard von Bingen continues to exert a spell on the modern imagination, and not just among those who are (rightly) eager to seize on her as an early feminist icon. The chant melodies, rendered here with heartfelt elegance by the women’s chorus Vajra Voices under the direction of Karen R. Clark, are striking in both their shapeliness and the spiritual fervor that runs through them. To a modern listener, accustomed to hearing melodic lines combined in contrapuntal mesh or harmonic byplay, the spareness of these textures - even with the deft accompaniment of Shira Kammen on the vielle (a bowed string instrument) and medieval harp - can make them seem attenuated. But listen more closely, and Hildegard’s careful attentiveness to the liturgical texts, with all their implications, becomes ever more affecting.

David Parsons is always on the cutting edge of ambient world music. He is a master synthesist and a master multi-instrumentalist. He combines those talents with a deep soul and a sharp sense of sound design to create brilliant electro-tribal music. "Vajra", his first release on Groove Unlimited, is a major milestone in that style. While he emphasizes his use of electronics, David brings acoustic and ethnic instruments to the table as well. On this cd he uses no vocals but the music chants in its own language at its own pace. The messages vary but they tend to be about love, devotion, harmony and peace. The messages are not subtle. David's soundworlds are remarkably calm and intense. He uses very few rhythmic elements but the pace is overt. The juxtapositions enhance the listening experience.