Composer

:

Hildegard von Bingen

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Antiphon

Compose Date

:

ca. 1140 - 1179

Average_duration

:

2:22

'O rubor sanguinis' is a hymn composed by Hildegard von Bingen, a German Benedictine abbess, writer, composer, and philosopher who lived in the 12th century. The hymn is part of a collection of 77 songs called 'Symphonia armonie celestium revelationum' (Symphony of the Harmony of Celestial Revelations), which Hildegard composed between 1151 and 1158. 'O rubor sanguinis' is believed to have been composed around 1150 and is dedicated to Saint Ursula, a Christian martyr who was killed along with her companions in the 4th century. The hymn is written in Latin and consists of four stanzas, each with its own melody. The text of the hymn praises Saint Ursula and her companions for their faith and courage in the face of persecution. The premiere of 'O rubor sanguinis' is not known, as the hymn was likely performed within the context of the liturgy of the Benedictine monastery where Hildegard lived. However, the hymn has since become one of Hildegard's most famous compositions and is still performed and recorded today. The four movements of 'O rubor sanguinis' are characterized by their use of melismatic singing, which involves singing multiple notes on a single syllable of text. The first movement begins with a solo voice singing the opening phrase, "O rubor sanguinis," which is then repeated by the choir. The second movement features a more complex melody, with the choir singing in harmony and the soloist adding embellishments. The third movement is a duet between two solo voices, with the choir providing a drone-like accompaniment. The final movement returns to the simpler melody of the first movement, with the choir singing in unison and the soloist adding ornamentation. Overall, 'O rubor sanguinis' is a beautiful and haunting hymn that showcases Hildegard's skill as a composer and her devotion to the Christian faith. Its use of melismatic singing and complex harmonies make it a challenging piece to perform, but also a rewarding one for both singers and listeners.

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