Simply because we don't usually associate complexity in music with that era. Certainly not in the Western Church. Much of what has survived is Gregorian Chant. Soulful, but not especially complex in form. Of course it doesn't mean more complex musical forms did not exist, simply they did not survive. Hildegard may be one of many. But as nothing much else has survived, I think we can justify calling her output surprising?
Yes, I’m sure you’re right. I do think, though, that we often underestimate the achievements of the long past - be it in the fields of engineering, science, architecture, music, literature and more - because we don’t have much evidence of how they did or or because much of it has been lost.
Perfect to bake to
Errmmmm nothing one can say. I am sure Hildegard would be touched that her ethereal notes have caused bread, if not Christ himself, to rise?
I awoke. I listened. I liked. I fell back to sleep ....
Morning Kit, its an age thing - i recognised the pattern immediately....
A haunting, soul-soothing meditation - a lovely start to the day.
I find it astonishing that such complex and contemplative music could have been written 800 years ago....
Why, though?
Simply because we don't usually associate complexity in music with that era. Certainly not in the Western Church. Much of what has survived is Gregorian Chant. Soulful, but not especially complex in form. Of course it doesn't mean more complex musical forms did not exist, simply they did not survive. Hildegard may be one of many. But as nothing much else has survived, I think we can justify calling her output surprising?
Yes, I’m sure you’re right. I do think, though, that we often underestimate the achievements of the long past - be it in the fields of engineering, science, architecture, music, literature and more - because we don’t have much evidence of how they did or or because much of it has been lost.
A haunting, soul-soothing meditation - a lovely start to the day.