Hildegard of Bingen Biography
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German abbess, writer, and mystic Hildegard von Bingen (b. Bermersheim, 1098?; d. Rupertsberg, 17 September 1179) was not principally a musician, but among her copious writings-which include everything from medical and scientific texts to Biblical exegesis-are a mystery play, Ordo virtutum, containing eighty-two musical items, and a compendium, Symphonia armonie celestium revelationum, containing seventy-seven antiphons, responds, and other chants presumably composed by herself. The music, though monophonic, is not comparable to plainchant of any known tradition; although it is often remarkably elaborate, it appears to bear the marks of improvisation. Hildegard was the tenth child of noble parents, and as such was dedicated as a tithe to the service of the church. She entered a Benedictin... read more Lucy E. Cross © 2009 Sony Music Entertainment |
