Composer

:

Hildegard von Bingen

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Mystery Play

Compose Date

:

ca. 1140 - 1179

Average_duration

:

91:49

Ordo Virtutum is a medieval morality play composed by Hildegard von Bingen, a German abbess, composer, and mystic. The play was written in the 12th century and is considered to be one of the earliest surviving examples of liturgical drama. It was first performed in 1151 at the Rupertsberg convent, where Hildegard was the abbess. The play consists of 82 musical pieces, including hymns, antiphons, and responsories, which are interspersed with spoken dialogue. The music is monophonic, meaning that it consists of a single melody line without any accompanying harmony. The text is in Latin and tells the story of the struggle between the Virtues and the Devil for the soul of a young woman named Anima. The play is divided into 17 movements, each of which represents a different stage in Anima's spiritual journey. The first movement introduces the Virtues, who sing a hymn of praise to God. The second movement introduces Anima, who is tempted by the Devil to turn away from God. The remaining movements depict Anima's struggle to resist the Devil's temptations and to embrace the Virtues. The music of Ordo Virtutum is characterized by its simplicity and clarity. The melodies are easy to sing and remember, which would have been important for the performers, who were likely untrained singers. The music also reflects Hildegard's mystical beliefs, with its use of soaring melodies and ethereal harmonies. Overall, Ordo Virtutum is a fascinating example of medieval liturgical drama and a testament to Hildegard von Bingen's musical and spiritual genius. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless message of the struggle between good and evil and the power of faith to overcome temptation.

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