Composer

:

Hildegard von Bingen

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

ca. 1140 - 1179

Average_duration

:

7:37

'O vos angeli' is a sacred vocal composition composed by Hildegard von Bingen, a German Benedictine abbess, writer, composer, and philosopher of the 12th century. The composition is a part of her collection of liturgical chants known as the 'Symphonia armonie celestium revelationum' (Symphony of the Harmony of Celestial Revelations), which consists of 77 chants and hymns. The exact date of composition of 'O vos angeli' is not known, but it is believed to have been composed in the early 12th century. The composition was first performed in the abbey of Rupertsberg, where Hildegard was the abbess. 'O vos angeli' is a monophonic chant, which means that it is sung by a single voice without any instrumental accompaniment. The composition is divided into two parts, with the first part consisting of a solo voice singing the text 'O vos angeli', and the second part consisting of a choir singing the text 'Et omnis spiritus laudet Dominum' (And let every spirit praise the Lord). The characteristics of 'O vos angeli' reflect Hildegard's unique style of composition, which is characterized by soaring melodies, intricate ornamentation, and a sense of otherworldliness. The composition is based on a Gregorian chant, but Hildegard's use of melismatic phrases and her distinctive harmonies give the composition a distinctive sound. Overall, 'O vos angeli' is a beautiful and haunting composition that showcases Hildegard's mastery of sacred music. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the enduring power of her music and her legacy as one of the most important composers of the medieval period.

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