The word of the day was Hearken. Second definition reads, "to return to a previous subject (usually in the form of hearken back)." Isn't this redundant?

Also, if it is not redundant, then isn't the example quote that is given incorrect? "Such notions conjure up images of women as temptresses and hearken to times when the sight of a cello......"

There seems to be a contradiction here somewhere...but where????