Ordo Virtutum

"Ordo Virtutum" is a captivating exploration of medieval music, composed by the remarkable Hildegard von Bingen. Released in 1995, this album is a testament to the enduring power of Gregorian chant and classical compositions. Hildegard von Bingen, a woman ahead of her time, crafted this work in an era when female voices were rarely heard, making "Ordo Virtutum" a historic and pioneering piece in music history. The album is divided into five parts, each offering a unique blend of vocal and instrumental pieces that showcase the depth and breadth of Hildegard's musical genius.

Spanning just over an hour and eight minutes, "Ordo Virtutum" features a rich tapestry of sounds that transport the listener back to the 12th century. The album begins with a prologue that sets the stage for the dramatic unfolding of the virtues' battle against the devil, led by the virtue of humility. Each part of the album is meticulously crafted, with instrumental pieces like "Processional Of Embodied Souls" providing a hauntingly beautiful interlude between the vocal sections. The album concludes with the powerful "Finale: In principio," leaving a lasting impression on the listener.

This album is a rare opportunity to experience the music of Hildegard von Bingen, a woman whose contributions to music, theology, and natural history continue to inspire and influence artists and scholars alike. Whether you're a fan of medieval music, Gregorian chant, or classical compositions, "Ordo Virtutum" is sure to captivate and inspire. The album was released by Etcetera and features the talented Vox Animae, whose performances bring Hildegard's compositions to life with stunning clarity and beauty.

Hildegard von Bingen, a polymathic force of the Middle Ages, transcends the boundaries of a single artistic genre. Born in Germany around 1098, she was a Benedictine abbess, poet, composer, and visionary whose works span religion, medicine, music, ethics, and cosmology. Her compositions, rooted in Gregorian chant, are as unique as they are beautiful, inviting listeners to experience the sacred and profound. Von Bingen's life was marked by vivid visions that began in childhood and intensified in 1141, leading her to produce a vast body of work that includes visionary writings, musical compositions, and natural healing texts. Her influence extends beyond her music, as she was also a renowned healer, philosopher, and theologian, earning her the title of Church Doctor. Von Bingen's legacy endures, inspiring countless individuals with her spiritual depth, intellectual rigor, and artistic innovation.