The Rhythm Divine

Mary, the mother of Jesus, has been a source of musical inspiration for centuries and with the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary celebrated today our music takes its inspiration from the life of Mary. Our guide to Marian music is Richard Black, the artistic director of the Chroma Vocal Ensemble, who introduces music from Tomas Luis de Victoria, Marc-Antoine Charpentier and Hildegard von Bingen.

Transcript

While Mary has been hailed as a model of obedience and faithfulness by Catholics she's not been so popular with many Protestants who in the past objected to the way she was revered almost like a goddess in her own right.

As a result the Feast of the Assumption, which is today, Friday, is generally only celebrated by Roman Catholic and Eastern churches. It marks the belief that Mary was taken body and soul into heaven. Eastern Orthodox churches celebrate the day as the Dormition of the Theotokos, meaning that she fell asleep. And so tonight our music takes its inspiration from the life of Mary.

To help tell that story I've roped in someone who really knows Marian music, Richard Black. Richard is the artistic director of a new Australian singing group, the Chroma Vocal Ensemble. I saw them perform their very first concert back in May. It was a freezing cold night but I was so rivetted by the music I didn't feel a thing even as I slowly turned blue. In fact I was so impressed, I wanted to share some of their wonderful singing with you.

So what you'll hear tonight first of all are three pieces performed by the Chroma Vocal Ensemble from that debut concert, with Richard Black adding his insights about Marian music.

Further Information

Chroma Vocal Ensemble
Chroma is a new Sydney-based chamber vocal ensemble. Its singers are drawn from various fine vocal traditions. Chroma is dedicated to informed interpretation, giving Australian audiences a chance to hear renaissance and baroque vocal music.

Stevie Wishart and Sinfonye

The Assumption of Mary
The Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated on 15 August.

Music

CD title: Unreleased Concert Recording
Track title: Nigra sum sed formosa
Artist: Chroma Vocal Ensemble
Composer: Tomas Luis de Victoria
URL: http://www.chromavocalensemble.com/

CD title: Unreleased Concert Recording
Track title: Missus est (chant)/ Magnificat
Artist: Chroma Vocal Ensemble
Composer: Marc-Antoine Charpentier
URL: http://www.chromavocalensemble.com/

CD title: The Complete Hildegard von Bingen Vol. Three
Track title: O viridissima virga ave
Artist: Sinfonye
Composer: hildegard von Bingen
CD details: Celestial Harmonies 13129
URL: http://www.harmonies.com/releases/13129.htm

Presenter

Geoff Wood

Producer

Geoff Wood