In the days immediately following the terrible events of September 11, 2001, many of the people I know, music lovers all, sought consolation in music. For a day or two at least, most wanted something uplifting, calming, peaceful but not soporific, and of a classical nature. I found all of that in this recording by the Scottish quartet Canty.
Wings of Wisdom consists of a number of vocal chants and instrumental works by the Medieval nun Hildegard von Bingen, plus Scottish works from roughtly the same period. Canty is accompanied on many of the pieces by William Taylor on ancient harps and the “symphony,” a Medieval hurdy-gurdy.
These are songs and tunes of great spiritual uplift sung with devotion by the four voices of Canty. Libby Crabtree, Ruth Dean, Anne Lewis and Rebecca Tavener sing these chants with thrilling purity and clarity, in voices the angels might envy. Taylor’s playing is precise yet warm. Particularly lovely is an instrumental, “O ecclesia,” featuring Taylor on a wire-strung clarsach and Tavener on bells. But every song on Wings of Wisdom is a sparkling gem, with the possible exception of the one accompanied by the symphony, whose grating drone I find nerve-wracking.
Tavener also transcribed and edited the works of Hildegard, and she and Taylor are credited with the arrangements. Alan Tavener produced the recording, made at St. Mary’s Parish Church in Haddington, East Lothian, Scotland. All are to be credited with the making of a outstanding package of absolutely wonderful music.
I can’t recommend this recording highly enough. Anyone who enjoys early music, church music, chant, and works of simple spiritual beauty should have this CD. The Sonoluminus website has more information
(Dorian, 2001)
