Hildegard von Bingen
Born: 1098, Bermersheim vor der Höhe, Holy Roman Empire
Died: 17 September 1179, Bingen am Rhein, Holy Roman Empire
BIOGRAPHY MUSIC RECORDINGS SOURCES
Hildegard of Bingen was a Medieval composer, poet, and saint born into the nobility of Rheinhessen in 1098. She was the tenth child in her family and was therefore tithed to the church. When she was 14 years old, she was sent to the monastery at Disibodenberg where she prayed daily, had one meal per day, and only had access to the outside world through the view of a single window.
In 1150, Hildegard founded her own convent where she lived until her death in 1179. She often communicated with popes and emperors and was involved in politics and diplomacy during a time of conflict in her region. She also preached throughout Germany.
Hildegard was famous for her prophecies and miracles. She wrote religious poems and prose, which were the result of her visions. These were set to music beginning in the 1140s. The texts contain striking imagery and are extremely imaginative. Most of her music was written for liturgical purposes and many pieces were dedicated to local saints. Her composition Ordo virtutum (c. 1151), is the oldest surviving music drama not written for church use.
Hildegard’s most important works include Ordo virtutum, 43 antiphons, 18 responsories, as well as sequences, hymns, and chants. It is unknown whether her compositions were performed outside of her convent. Even hundreds of years later, many of her works are still available today.