CD Spotlight

Sharing releases, present and past, to brighten your day. WXXI Classical has its eyes and ears on the latest releases from classical artists working today. When we come across a story or a release we think you might enjoy, we’ll be sharing it with you on CD Spotlight. You’ll learn more about the artists online at WXXI Classical, and you’ll hear selections from these artists on FM 91.5. CD Spotlight shares new releases by artists that you’ll want to know and some by great artists and ensembles that deserve to be in the spotlight again.

CD Spotlight: Notker Balbulus: Liber Ymnorum

Classical 91.5 WXXO-FM | By Steve Johnson

Published May 13, 2025 at 3:48 PM EDT

Album cover for Notker Balbulus: Liber ymnorum. Includes a medieval portrait of the monk Notker seated deep in thought at a desk.

Back in the day — way back in the ninth century — a Swiss monk by the name of Notker had a problem. Well, two problems. One was a speech impediment that earned him the nickname “Balbulus,” or, “The Stammerer.”

Read more of his story and check out new recording of his music in a review in CITY Magazine, in print and here online: Music Review | 'Notker Balbulus: Liber Ymnorum'

You'll hear this music woven throughout the day on WXXI Classical over the next few weeks as our CD Spotlight, and you can check out a small sample of these free-flowing vocal solos below.