Celestial Revelations
Women’s music related to Hildegard von Bingen
Carles Magraner, conductor
Èlia Casanova, voice
Carles Magraner, viola/vielle
Eduard Navarro, oud/bagpipes/shawm
Robert Cases, harp/cittern
Capella de Ministrers’ repertoire includes a rich compilation of women’s music centring on Hildegard von Bingen, whose Symphony of the Harmony of Celestial Revelations brings together seventy-five liturgical compositions including antiphons, hymns and responsories. These pieces, originally performed by nuns, reflect mediaeval spirituality in words devoted to the Virgin, the Trinity and different saints. This programme is linked to La Cité des Dames by Christine de Pizan, evoking a feminist utopia that questioned patriarchal thought and male-centred tradition. Divided into two parts, Hortus Conclusus and Hortus deliciarum, it features theological and pedagogical symbolism, including pieces from the Las Huelgas Codex. Thus, it offers a critical reinterpretation of musical history that reveals the role of women, showcases their contributions and proposes a more inclusive, enriching understanding of the western tradition.
