Savitri

Abstract

Kim Cunio and Heather Lee are currently setting parts of Savitri in traditional Gregorian / Church modes as well as the later modes of the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris and those of the acclaimed mystic composer Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179). We can best describe this project as music inspired by the artistic practice of Christian Church composition until the mid 12th Century. Eventually we aim to cover the entire Savitri, but for now we have trialed a small excerpt of exceptional beauty from Book 3, Canto 4: The Vision and the Boon pp. 345-348. A two line phrase O wisdom Splendor, mother of the universe has been composed into a refrain sung both in unison and a beautiful early harmony called organum. In between this Heather and Kim improvise around a Benedictine Hidden E Church mode, declaiming this wondrous text, accompanied by Kims virtual oud. We hope you enjoy the start of this beautiful project, of which a studio recording is in production. – Kim Cunio