Composer

:

Hildegard von Bingen

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Antiphon

Compose Date

:

ca. 1140 - 1179

Average_duration

:

3:04

'O eterne Deus' 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. 'O eterne Deus' is believed to have been composed in the early 12th century, during Hildegard's time as the abbess of the Rupertsberg convent in Germany. The composition is written in plainchant, a form of medieval liturgical music that is characterized by its monophonic texture and lack of instrumental accompaniment. The composition is divided into two movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement is a hymn of praise to God, with lyrics that express the singer's awe and reverence for the divine. The melody is characterized by its soaring, melismatic phrases, which are typical of Hildegard's style. The second movement is a prayer for mercy and forgiveness, with lyrics that express the singer's contrition and desire for redemption. The melody is more subdued and contemplative, with a simpler, more repetitive structure. Overall, 'O eterne Deus' is a beautiful example of Hildegard's unique musical style, which combines elements of plainchant with her own innovative melodic and harmonic ideas. The composition is a testament to her deep faith and spiritual insight, and continues to be celebrated as a masterpiece of medieval sacred music.

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