Lux Vivens (Living Light): The Music Of Hildegard Von Bingen
This recording of 12th-century mystic Hildegard von Bingen's music is a sheer  delight, a beautiful collection of compositions for which the Benedictine nun (considered  a saint, although never formally canonized) claimed divine inspiration. Listening to  singer Jocelyn Montgomery's gorgeous renditions, that's easy to believe. Lushly  produced by David Lynch,Lux Vivenshas a clarity and presence of sound that  does the material justice. The accompaniment itself is fairly thin, confined to sparse  instrumentation and the inclusion of crashing waves, wind, tolling bells, or birdsong; this  allows the beauty of the melodies themselves to shine through unimpeded. The selections  include both secular ("Battle and Transition," "Et Ideo") and sacred ("Gloria Patri,"  "Kyrie"), though it's the melodies that capture the listener's ear. Enchanting and often  otherworldly,Lux Vivensis a listening experience that's both subtle and sublime.  --Genevieve Williams