Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of medieval music with "Sequentia: Hildegard von Bingen," a captivating album that showcases the timeless compositions of the visionary abbess and polymath, Hildegard von Bingen. Released in 1994 by Deutsche Harmonia Mundi, this album is a testament to the enduring power of Gregorian chant and medieval vocal music, performed with exquisite precision by the renowned ensemble Sequentia.
Spanning over four hours, this extensive collection features a rich tapestry of antiphons, psalms, sequences, responsories, and instrumental pieces, all meticulously crafted by Hildegard von Bingen. The album includes iconic works such as "O vis eternitatis," "Nunc aperuit nobis," and "Quia ergo femina mortem instruxit," each piece a testament to the spiritual depth and musical innovation of the 12th-century abbess.
Sequentia, known for their dedication to early music, has painstakingly brought these ancient melodies to life, providing a rare opportunity to experience the sacred vocal music of the medieval era. The ensemble's collaboration with West German Radio Cologne (WDR Köln) ensures a high level of authenticity and historical accuracy, making this album a treasure trove for both classical music enthusiasts and those interested in the rich cultural heritage of the Middle Ages.
"Sequentia: Hildegard von Bingen" is not just an album; it is a journey through time, offering a glimpse into the spiritual and musical landscape of the 12th century. The intricate harmonies and profound lyrics of Hildegard von Bingen's compositions are beautifully rendered, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and reverence. Whether you are a seasoned fan of medieval music or a newcomer to the genre, this album promises a deeply enriching and spiritually uplifting experience.
(P) 1994 Sony Music Entertainment/(P) 1995 Sony Music Entertainment/(P) 1997 Sony Music Entertainment/(P) 1998 Sony Music Entertainment/(P) 1998 Sony Music Entertainment)
Tracks
O magne pater (Antiphon, fol. 466)Hildegard von Bingen, Sequentia, Barbara Thornton, Benjamin Bagby
O Bonifaci (Antiphon, fol. 475r)Hildegard von Bingen, Sequentia, Barbara Thornton, Benjamin Bagby
O mirum admirandum (Antiphon, fol. 475r) / Domini est terra (Psalm 24)Hildegard von Bingen, Sequentia, Barbara Thornton, Benjamin Bagby
Instrumental piece IHildegard von Bingen, Sequentia, Barbara Thornton, Benjamin Bagby
O viriditas digiti deiHildegard von Bingen, Sequentia, Barbara Thornton, Benjamin Bagby
O beata infantia (Antiphon, fol. 470v) / Domine, Dominus noster (Psalm 8)Hildegard von Bingen, Sequentia, Barbara Thornton, Benjamin Bagby
O felix anima (Responsory, fol. 470v)Hildegard von Bingen, Sequentia, Barbara Thornton, Benjamin Bagby
Instrumental piece IIHildegard von Bingen, Sequentia, Barbara Thornton, Benjamin Bagby
O presul vere civitatis (sequence, fol. 475v)Hildegard von Bingen, Sequentia, Barbara Thornton, Benjamin Bagby
Columba aspexit (sequence, fol. 476r)Hildegard von Bingen, Sequentia, Barbara Thornton, Benjamin Bagby
Instrumental piece IIIHildegard von Bingen, Sequentia, Barbara Thornton, Benjamin Bagby
O Ecclesia (sequence, fol. 477)Hildegard von Bingen, Sequentia, Barbara Thornton, Benjamin Bagby
Spiritui sancto (responsory, fol. 471v)Hildegard von Bingen, Sequentia, Barbara Thornton, Benjamin Bagby
Mathias, sanctus per electionem (sequence, fol. 474v)Hildegard von Bingen, Sequentia, Barbara Thornton, Benjamin Bagby
O pater omnium ("Symphonia viduarum", fol. 478v)Hildegard von Bingen, Sequentia, Barbara Thornton, Benjamin Bagby
O Euchari, columba virtutem illius (Responsory, fol. 475v)Hildegard von Bingen, Sequentia, Barbara Thornton, Benjamin Bagby
O Euchari, in leta via ambulasti (sequence, fol. 476r)Hildegard von Bingen, Sequentia, Barbara Thornton, Benjamin Bagby
Prologue: Qui sunt hi, ut sub nubes?Hildegard von Bingen, Sequentia
Processional of embodied soulsHildegard von Bingen, Sequentia
Scene 1: O nos peregrine sumusHildegard von Bingen, Sequentia
Anima processional IHildegard von Bingen, Sequentia
Scene 1 (continued): O dulcis divinitasHildegard von Bingen, Sequentia
Anima processional IIHildegard von Bingen, Sequentia
Scene 1 (continued): O gravis laborHildegard von Bingen, Sequentia
Instrumental dance IHildegard von Bingen, Sequentia
Scene 2: Ego HumilitasHildegard von Bingen, Sequentia
Instrumental dance IIHildegard von Bingen, Sequentia
Symphoniae: O quam magnum miraculumHildegard von Bingen, Sequentia
Symphoniae: O felix animaHildegard von Bingen, Sequentia
Symphoniae: O quam mirabilisHildegard von Bingen, Sequentia
Instrumental lamentHildegard von Bingen, Sequentia
Scene 3: Heu! Heu! nos virtutes plangamusHildegard von Bingen, Sequentia
Scene 4: Quae es, aut unde venis?Hildegard von Bingen, Sequentia
Finale: In principioHildegard von Bingen, Sequentia
O vis eternitatisHildegard von Bingen, Sequentia, Barbara Thornton
Nunc aperuit nobisHildegard von Bingen, Sequentia, Barbara Thornton
Quia ergo femina mortem instruxitHildegard von Bingen, Sequentia, Barbara Thornton
Cum processit factura digiti DeiHildegard von Bingen, Sequentia, Barbara Thornton
Alma Redemptoris MaterHildegard von Bingen, Sequentia, Barbara Thornton
Ave Maria, O auctrix viteHildegard von Bingen, Sequentia, Barbara Thornton
Spiritus Sanctus vivificans viteHildegard von Bingen, Sequentia, Barbara Thornton
O ignis spiritus ParaclitiHildegard von Bingen, Sequentia, Barbara Thornton
Caritas habundat in omniaHildegard von Bingen, Sequentia, Barbara Thornton
Alleluia! O virga mediatrixHildegard von Bingen, Sequentia, Barbara Thornton
O viridissima virga, AveHildegard von Bingen, Sequentia, Barbara Thornton
InstrumentalstückHildegard von Bingen, Sequentia, Barbara Thornton
O Pastor AnimarumHildegard von Bingen, Sequentia, Barbara Thornton
O tu suavissima virgaHildegard von Bingen, Sequentia, Barbara Thornton
O choruscans stellarumHildegard von Bingen, Sequentia, Barbara Thornton
O nobilissima viriditasHildegard von Bingen, Sequentia, Barbara Thornton