There’s something about Hildegard of Bingen’s music that always feels cooling and soothing to the mind. I think it’s the gentleness of the plainchant, and the sweetness of female voices which is so refreshing and relaxing.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2AcbPaa6xo&w=420&h=315]
The lyrics are a hymn to Mary (Sweet Mother of the Redeemer), and are a traditional text for Advent. Just about everyone has had a try at these lyrics (in fact, I understand that Palestrina wrote two different versions, which might be a thought for another day), but I love the simplicity of Hildegard’s version, and the sense of unity in time and space that one gets from listening to music that is nearly a thousand years old… and yet written for the season we are in today.
Have you seen _Hild_ by Nicola Griffith?
I’ve definitely heard of it, but I don’t think I’ve read it. Looks like something to look out for (though it’s a different Hild, of course).