Meconi, H: Hildegard of Bingen

"A fine introduction to anyone interested in Hildegard's music and a solid foundation for further reading, performing, and research." --Yale Journal of Music & Religion "With her friendly, calm voice and measured pace, the author takes the reader on an interesting journey through the highlights of Hildegard's life and work. Meconi constructs a vividly imagined persona and life story that brings the medieval figure close to the modern reader."--Marianne Pfau, co-author of Hildegard von Bingen: Der Klang des Himmels "Meconi does an excellent job of showing that Hildegard's chants are linked to late medieval repertory but are also distinctive and idiosyncratic. Highly recommended." --Choice "Hildegard of Bingen is an excellent addition to English-language literature on Hildegard. . . will recommend it as a solid introduction to Hildegard as a composer to students, colleagues, friends, and early music enthusiasts alike." --Revue de musicologie "Meconi offers fresh insight into one of the most creative composers of her time." --WXXI "The inspiring account offered in this book indeed sweeps the reader along into a skillfully told, fascinating life story." --Early Music "If you think you already knew Hildegard, prepare to be enlightened. Honey Meconi's extensive scholarship puts Hildegard's life, music, and writings into clear historical context, concisely and blessedly free of academic jargon. Meconi doesn't just repeat what we know about the twelfth-century wonder woman. She describes how we know it, separates truth from fiction, and makes us understand why the music of Hildegard sounds like nothing and nobody else. With a detailed list of works, bibliography, notes and selected discography, this is the perfect go-to volume for a music director, teacher, student, singer, music lover, or Hildegard fan."--Susan Hellauer, Anonymous 4