She was an 11^th century Renaissance woman! I would also add that Hildegard was a feminist icon to that list, but that would be adding a modern concept to an ancient time. Nevertheless, I think it’s fair to assume that Hildegard herself knew how intelligent and powerful she was in a time when woman’s scope was so narrow.

Hildegard von Bingen, also known as Blessed Hildegard or Saint Hildegard, was a German abbess of a large convent in 11^th century Germany. She was placed into a convent by her family as a young girl and was known to have intense visions at a very early age. Hildegard’s first recollection as a youth was about a vision, where she propounded upon a vision she had with such detail, that her family and community were amazed. Her visions were recorded by an anchoress named Jutta (who was her teacher) and her lifelong secretary and scribe, Volmar. Hildegard described her visions as fantastic and luminous. According to well-known neurologist Oliver Sacks, her visions are a classic example of extraordinary imagery preceding a migraine. In The Man Who Mistook his Wife for a Hat, Dr. Oliver Sacks claimed that von Bingen’s “visions were instrumental in directing her towards a life of holiness and mysticism. They provide a unique example of the manner in which a physiological event, banal, hateful or meaningless to the vast majority of people, can become, in a privileged consciousness, the substrate of a supreme ecstatic inspiration.”

She composed music based on her visions. Her known compositions – that is, the ones that still physically exist – are numerous considering how little we have from the Middle Ages period. Her compositions vary in subject matter, ranging from 43 antiphons, 18 responsories, 4 hymns and 7 sequences, 2 symphonies (for virgin and widows) and three unique pieces (Alleluia, Kyrie and O viridissima virga) for a total of 77 works.

A busy lady indeed! There are some very interesting interpretations of her works played by groups like Garmarna and Richard Souther. Garmarna is a Swedish rock group, and their take on von Bingen’s early music is compelling and unique.

Apparently, a German art  film in 2009, called Vision, was made about her. I just found out about it – and this sounds really cool! Has anyone seen it? Does it live up to the awesomeness that is Hildegard?

To my knowledge Mozart has been on currency and stamps in European countries. Maybe this is some strange indication that our dear Motzie should be on American currency! It’s all about the Benjamins and the Mozarts , yo!