Sequences and hymns by a remarkable and creative personality from the Middle Ages (1098-1179) -- in fact, the most celebrated woman of her age as a visionary, naturalist, playwright, poet and composer, as well as politician. Her canonization was proposed, but never came about. This recording draws upon her large collection of music and poetry, The Symphony of the Harmony of Celestial Revelations, and is lovely even to ears with little classical or devotional inclination. Her pieces frequently present visions of women -- St. Ursula, the Virgin Mary -- sometimes with erotic imagery. Currently a renewal of interest is occuring in this composer, though her works are hard to come by.

Hildegard Of Bingen