Composer

:

Hildegard von Bingen

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Antiphon

Compose Date

:

ca. 1140 - 1179

Average_duration

:

2:11

Hodie aperuit nobis is a sacred composition by the German composer, Hildegard von Bingen. It is a part of her larger work, the Symphonia armonie celestium revelationum, which is a collection of 77 liturgical songs. The composition was written in the 12th century and is believed to have been premiered in the Abbey of Rupertsberg, where Hildegard was the abbess. Hodie aperuit nobis is a single-movement composition that is sung in Latin. The text is taken from Psalm 95:2-3 and is a hymn of praise to God. The composition is written for a four-part choir, with the melody sung by the sopranos and the other parts providing harmony. The piece is characterized by its simple yet powerful melody, which is typical of Hildegard's style. The composition begins with a solo soprano voice singing the opening phrase, "Hodie aperuit nobis," which is then repeated by the choir. The melody is then passed between the different parts of the choir, with each voice taking turns singing the main melody. The harmonies are simple and repetitive, with the different parts of the choir singing in unison or in octaves. The composition reaches its climax with the repetition of the phrase "Venite adoremus," which is sung by the entire choir in unison. The piece then ends with a final repetition of the opening phrase, sung by the solo soprano voice. Hodie aperuit nobis is a beautiful example of Hildegard's unique style of composition. Her music is characterized by its simplicity, yet it is also deeply spiritual and emotional. The piece is a testament to her faith and her devotion to God, and it continues to be performed and admired by musicians and audiences around the world.

More....