Saint Hildegard von Bingen has an astonishing historical footprint worth noting. Born of noble parents in Germany in 1098, she entered the Benedictine religious life at age 15. She became a Benedictine abbess, a mystic, a visionary, a philosopher, a poet, a composer, and has been credited with founding the field of Natural Science in Germany. In 2012, Pope Benedict XVI officially canonized her as a saint and additionally recognized her as a Doctor of the Catholic Church, a title conferred upon saints whose writings are considered to have special authority within the church.

The mystical text from her motet O Choruscans Lux Stellarum contains some stunning imagery, immediately igniting the imagination. The shimmering starlight may represent the Church—commonly known as the Bride of Christ or the Body of Christ. However, it may directly symbolize Christ—the One without blemish who overcomes the grave (or the cave of the ancient destroyer). Perhaps, more intimately, it may be a reference to Saint Hildegard herself amid one of her vivid mystical visions. Savor the layers of this text as you explore the many intentional connections between the musical ideas and Saint Hildegard’s luminous poetry.

Longer Description

A setting of a gorgeous text by 11th century mystical poet & nun, Hildegard von Bingen. Translating to “O Glistening Starlight”,  the poem draws on multiple images of Christ as starlight, as a royal darling, as a precious gem, as a citizen among the angels, and as one who flies from the enemy's cave into the palace of the King. Stunning imagery for SSA (with 4-part divisi in the last few bars), piano and violin (or other C instrument such as oboe or flute).

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