Taking on the ambitious task of reviving a millennium of music composed by women, Wallis Bird undertook a project some might deem too adventurous or even ill-considered. That being said, the Berlin-rooted Irish singer-songwriter’s energetic and insightful approach to this massive task deserves applause, regardless of the fact it might not always be faultlessly executed.
Bird joined forces with the modern German classical ensemble, Spark, to curate a score that evolved over an extended period of time. The duo hand-picked compositions from 18 female artists, beginning their musical voyage from the year 1098, marked by the birth of philosopher and Benedictine abbess, Hildegard of Bingen. They melodically interpret Bingen’s reflective piece, O Virtus Sapientiae, reminiscent of celestial wisdom, employing resonating tones. A Mirage, an arrangement by Amy Beach, the first female composer of grand art music in America, is eloquently portrayed by Bird. While Bird’s interpretation of Billie Holiday’s Now or Never stays true to the original, her wholesome sound may not entirely suit the jazz-infused rhythm.
Classic and modern music pieces by various extraordinary women, familiar and less so (including hits by Björk, Kate Bush, Anohni, Janis Joplin, Enya, and Carole King, as well as compositions by underrated creators such as Australian Elena Kats-Chernin, Austrian Maria Theresia von Paradis, Fanny Hensel, Clara Schumann, and a unique piece by Bird herself, Dr James Barry) are compiled in this effort.
The variety and disparity in music styles mean the outcome isn’t always flawless, but to anticipate such perfection would distract from the greater purpose of the project. The endeavour was an attempt to spotlight the trailblazing, and generally overlooked, women who were ahead of their time. Simultaneously, it served as a bona fide collaboration where Bird and Spark artistically influenced each other, amalgamating pop, jazz, and modern classical into a singular melodic fusion.