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Hildegard Von Bingen (1098-1179) Germany

  • andreachamizoalber
  • Aug 31
  • 2 min read

She was a German saint, composer, writer, philosopher, scientist, physician, polymath, abbess, mystic, monastic leader, and prophetess. Considered one of the most influential, multifaceted, and fascinating figures of the Late Middle Ages and Western history, she is also one of the most illustrious figures of female monasticism and perhaps the one who best exemplified the Benedictine ideal, endowed with extraordinary intelligence and culture, committed to the Gregorian reform, and one of the most accomplished writers of her time.

Hildegard explains that singing is a manifestation of the divine spirit in man, which vaguely recalls the blessedness of Adam in paradise, who participated in the voice and song of the angels in praise of God.

Below is Ave Maria and the link to the score:









Although it employs the monophonic technique, melisma, and notation typical of its time, Hildegardian music is distinguished by its use of wide tonal ranges, which require the singer or choir to rise to intense high notes from a mid- or low note. It contracts melodic phrases that force the voice to accelerate and then slow down. It also uses intervals of fourths and fifths, whereas the singing of its time rarely went beyond thirds.

I share O magne pater and the link to consult the score:







Hildegard composed seventy-eight musical works, grouped in Symphonia armonie celestium revelationum ( Symphony of the Harmony of Heavenly Revelations ): 43 antiphons, 18 responsories, 4 hymns, 7 sequences, 2 symphonies (with the meaning of the 12th century), 1 alleluia, 1 kyrie, 1 free piece and 1 oratorio. In addition, she composed a sacramental auto set to music called Ordo Virtutum ("Order of the virtues") which I share below with a link to view the score:




 
 
 

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