If you have never heard of Hildegard Von Bingham stand back! I don’t remember when I first read about this wonderful woman at school, but her story, her writing and her music made a great impact on me. Last night I listened to one of her wonderful songs and I thought I would share it with you in this blog. But first a bit about this medieval mystic.
Who is Hildegard Von Bingham?
Hildegard Von Bingham (1098-1179) was the youngest of ten children and was born in Bermersheim in Germany. She was a sickly child and experienced visions. Her parents entered her into a 400 year old Benedictine Monastery which had only just recently opened a section for women. She was taken under the wing of an older woman, Jutta (also a visionary) who taught her to read and write, though she was apparently ‘unlearned’ and Hildegard helped her in reciting psalms and other things.
When Jutta died, Hildegard was elected ‘magistra’ or abbess by her fellow nuns. She founded a monastery for nuns at Rupertsberg and a second one at Elbingen.
In her early years Hildegard spent her time nursing and later illuminating manuscripts. This was in accordance with the Benedictine rule of labour. Her visions continued and at the age of 42, at the command of God she said, she started writing down her visions.
Saint Hildegard
Hildegard Von Bingham was officially declared a saint on May 12 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI. Later that year she was also named Doctor of the Church which meant that her teachings became recommended doctrine.
A fascinating life worthy of further study. Good places to start are Wikepedia (which has a large entry), Womens’ History and also, for more serious perusal, The International Society of Hildegard Von Bingham Studies.
The Music and Writing of Hildegard Von Bingham
This small blog cannot do justice to the outpouring of teaching and music that flowed from this wonderful woman. Her written work includes visionary theology, scientific and medicinal writings and even an invented alphabet.
The music she composed is like listening to angels sing and I want to give you an example. This video is a modern interpretation of ‘O Euchari in Leta Via’, a stunning vocal piece presented here with a modern musical accompaniment. The video contains a number of thought provoking series of images to accompany the wonderful vocal sound.
Before you go
My name is Dorothy Berry-Lound an artist and writer. You can find out more about my art and writing at https://dorothyberryloundart.com.
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Thank you for reading!
Very interesting. I had never heard of her but will definitely look her up now.