Hildegard’s influence shines on new album reviving ancient music
Barbara Hannigan, a fearless proponent of contemporary music, has released a new album titled Electric Fields, which is a collaborative project inspired by the ancient music of 12th-century abbess and composer Hildegard von Bingen. This new album features Hannigan alongside veteran pianists Katia and Marielle Labèque and composer David Chalmin, who collectively delve into Hildegard’s music through a modern 21st-century lens, creating a musical landscape that feels like a surreal journey back in time.
A remarkable figure, Hildegard von Bingen was known not only for her music but also for her diverse talents as a poet, scientist, and diplomat. Her music, despite being over 900 years old, continues to captivate audiences today. The album opens with “O virga mediatrix,” a mesmerizing piece that showcases Hannigan’s voice enveloped in reverb against a backdrop of synthetic organ and droning electronics, demonstrating the unique approach of the musicians to reinterpret Hildegard’s work.
While Electric Fields features compositions by other women composers from the past, such as Francesca Caccini and Barbara Strozzi, Hildegard’s influence shines through even in the newly created pieces. The musicians take daring liberties with the classical music, infusing it with modern electronic elements and novel arrangements. For instance, in “Che t’ho fatt’io,” a song by Francesca Caccini, melodic fragments are interwoven with club beats and electronic effects, resulting in a captivating fusion of Baroque elegance and contemporary soundscapes.
The album’s creation was a decade-long process of experimentation and exploration, culminating in a dreamy and ethereal collection of music. From the delicate arrangements to the imaginative use of Hannigan’s voice as a key instrument, Electric Fields is a testament to the creative vision and collaborative spirit of the artists involved. The final track, “O vis aeternitatis,” brings the album full circle, offering a hypnotic and transcendent experience that mirrors the surreal journey of Hildegard’s music through time.
Despite the risky nature of the project, Electric Fields ultimately succeeds in bridging the gap between the old and the new, creating a harmonious blend of ancient compositions and modern interpretations. The album serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Hildegard von Bingen and the transformative power of music to connect audiences across centuries. In the end, Electric Fields is not just an album but a magical convergence of musicians who dared to dream and explore the boundaries of musical expression.