album · January 14, 1997

Illumination (Hildegard von Bingen: The Fire of the Spirit)

Richard Souther

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Sony ClassicalSee this day

classicalnew waveelectronic

This 1997 Sony Classical release features Richard Souther interpreting the music of Hildegard von Bingen using electronic and new-wave instrumentation. It is a notable example of the electronic artist's exploration of medieval Gregorian chant.

• The album was recorded in Souther's studio in Los Angeles. It was released on Sony Classical, a label known for its traditional classical recordings. The album features synthesizers and electronic percussion alongside Souther's keyboard performance.
• The album presents a unique fusion of 12th-century sacred music with 20th-century electronic production. Souther's approach aimed to bring the spiritual and mystical qualities of von Bingen's compositions to a contemporary audience.
• "Illumination (Hildegard von Bingen: The Fire of the Spirit)" was released in 1997. The album's genre classification includes classical, new wave, and electronic music.

Richard Souther is a composer and keyboardist known for his work in new wave and electronic music. At the time of "Illumination," he had begun incorporating classical elements into his electronic soundscapes.