Today, women composers of the medieval and Renaissance periods are becoming better known. Many were women leading religious lives who had the time and education to devote to composition. Here are some picks of music by women composers or with female subjects and performers, selected for diversity and quality. Some are available online; others you'll need to search a bit for in specialty stores. Enjoy!
In the 1500s, descendents of the Aztec Indians wrote this music in honor of the vision of the Lady of Guadalupe who first appeared on the hill that had been sacred to the Aztec mother goddess Tonantzin.
A female trio and a female-directed male choir perform songs from Spanish history when Jews, Muslims (Moors) and Christians lived in a diverse culture. Most of the songs are centered on the worship of Mary, Mother of God.
Medieval music with an attitude -- lively, lusty, and sung by an all-women group, who also play some interesting instruments. Includes many anonymous compositions, plus poetry by Dante and Chaucer.
A 1997 album from Anonymous 4, an all-woman quartet. This includes chants by Hildegard of Bingen which were inspired by the legend of St. Ursula and the 11,000 Virgins.
Chants by Hildegard of Bingen, these were originally written for the dedication of the Rupertsberg church, founded to serve the order which Hildegard headed.
| 