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Craig Zeichner
The Buddhist conductor finds himself contemplating and recording music by a very special nun
"I'm continually struck by how relevant this music is," says Warren Stewart, artistic director of Magnificat, speaking of the music of the Milanese nun, Chiara Margareta Cozzolani (1602-c.1677). "Even though it's 300 to 400 years old, it still speaks to the basic human experience in a very direct and personal way. That's why I think it's vital and essential that it's heard."
Stewart and his San Francisco Bay-area ensemble is in the process of recording the complete works of Cozzolani for the Musica Omnia label. Two recordings-- Vespro Della Beata Vergine (MO 103) and Messa Paschale (MO 209)--are currently available with more to come. Stewart was hooked on Cozzolani right from the start. "The first time I heard it was in Manila, of all places. I was attending the Bamboo Organ Festival, and Judy Nelson had a group that performed the motet 'O quam bonus es.' I remembered thinking, 'This is incredible.' The music was a kaleidoscope of different styles, and then I looked at the text and saw that it was almost erotic, a...