In a positively delightful evening - with telling contributions by trumpeter Niall Mulvoy, the St Edwards College Brass Ensemble, and flautist Nicholas Battacharjee - the wonderful prelude was provided by one of Hildegard's own plainchant processionals, supplemented by uplifting solo contributions by soprano Isobel Jenkins and head chorister James Orrell.

Two types of singing - and yet more variance to come in theAgnusDei, where the style, in part, is reminiscent of monastic plainchant.

Origins of the Plainchant, differences between secular and sacred music, and origins of opera are all covered, as are intriguing portraits of many famous composers such as Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss among others.