Electric Fields offers modern arrangements of centuries-old vocal music, as well as new compositions, all involving soprano, pianos, and live electronics. The meditative compositions of medieval polymath Hildegard von Bingen are the point of departure for this album. Hildegard's texts soar to the spiritual realm both in Latin and in her invented lingua ignota. Additionally, the vernacular love songs of two composers from the Italian Baroque, Barbara Strozzi and Francesca Caccini, gave inspiration for this album. Several works from American composer Bryce Dessner complete the eclectic programme. Soprano Barbara Hannigan and pianists Katia and Marielle Labeque are joined by composer/performer David Chalmin in this captivating journey through meditative and ambient musical atmospheres. Together they create an intense and unique cosmos of sound.

“We were searching for words to categorize the album from beginning to end, as it has been a departure for all of us. It crosses genres, with aspects of ambient and meditative music opening the album, the soprano voice singing in plainchant accompanied by a simple drone, while later there is free improvisation with electronic layering. And post-minimalism also carves itself into the framework of Electric Fields.” - Barbara Hannigan.

“We had already been fascinated by Barbara Hannigan’s unique artistry and open mindedness for many years, as well as by the improvisations, compositions and electronics of David Chalmin. This project presented an opportunity to explore yet another direction of musical expression for us all. It has been a great pleasure to create and record this musical journey, starting with the inspiration of Hildegard von Bingen, whose music is wonderfully spacious. We added music by two distinctive women whose music we love: Francesca Caccini and Barbara Strozzi. Melding almost transcendent music from nearly one thousand years on one album, Bryce Dessner and David Chalmin gave us wonderful original music to discover and play. We are very proud and happy to present Electric Fields." - Katia & Marielle Labèque