Who were the poor clares? why is it somewhat surprising that they were accomplished musicians?

The Poor Clares were nuns of the Second Order of Saint Francis, founded by Clare of Assisi in 1212.

The promises of the poor clares were obedience, poverty, chastity, and, specifically for this order, privacy. The mendicant sisters devoted their lives to prayer, songs of praise and contemplation of Scripture; Like the brides of Christ, they have promised to love God above all else. For them, the silence was very important so that they could hear the voice of God, so it is surprising that they were accomplished musicians.