Cambridge Companion to Hildegard of Bingen

Thirteen essays explore Hildegard of Bingen's life, works, and impact, providing a comprehensive context for her life and monastic setting, and investigating her output within its monastic and liturgical environments.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 04 November 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This captivating collection of thirteen essays delves into the remarkable life and prolific works of Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179), a multifaceted visionary who established a monastic community, composed intricate melodies, engaged in scholarly correspondence, and penned profound religious visions, theological treatises, sermons, and scientific and medical texts. Designed specifically for advanced university students and emerging researchers in the field of Hildegard studies, these essays offer a comprehensive framework for understanding the context of Hildegard's life and monastic establishment. Expertly written by scholars in medieval history, theology, German literature, musicology, and the history of medicine, the essays are firmly rooted in the twelfth-century milieu of Hildegard, exploring her artistic output within the confines of her monastic and liturgical surroundings, her enduring reputation, and the intricate processes of her works' transmission, including considerations of manuscript layout, illumination, and scribal practices at her renowned Rupertsberg monastery.

Introduction:
Hildegard of Bingen, a remarkable figure in the history of spirituality and the arts, left an indelible mark on the world through her diverse contributions. Born in 1098 in the Rhine Valley, she was a monastic founder, a leader of a community of nuns, a composer, an active correspondent, and a prolific writer. Her life and works continue to captivate scholars and enthusiasts alike, making her a subject of intense study and exploration.

Life and Monastic Setting:
The essays in this collection provide a comprehensive account of Hildegard's life and monastic setting. They explore the historical context in which she lived, the influence of her religious upbringing on her artistic endeavors, and the establishment of her monastic community at Rupertsberg. The essays also shed light on the social and cultural dynamics of the twelfth-century world, which shaped Hildegard's experiences and contributions.

Composition and Musical Legacy:
Hildegard's musical compositions are a testament to her extraordinary talent and dedication. The essays in this collection examine her musical output, including her liturgical compositions, hymns, and chants. They explore the theological and spiritual themes that underlie her music, as well as the musical techniques and influences that shaped her compositions. The essays also discuss the enduring legacy of Hildegard's music, both within the Catholic Church and in broader cultural contexts.

Theological and Religious Writings:
Hildegard's theological and religious writings are a rich source of insight and wisdom. The essays in this collection delve into her major works, such as the Scivias, the Book of Divine Works, and the Ordo Virtutum. They analyze the themes and ideas that Hildegard explores in these texts, as well as their historical and cultural significance. The essays also consider the influence of Hildegard's writings on subsequent religious and intellectual movements.

Scientific and Medical Texts:
In addition to her religious and artistic contributions, Hildegard was also a prolific writer of scientific and medical texts. The essays in this collection examine her contributions in these fields, including her botanical writings, her medical treatises, and her insights into the natural world. They explore the ways in which Hildegard's scientific and medical knowledge intersected with her religious beliefs and her understanding of the human body and its healing potential.

Conclusion:
This collection of essays offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the life and works of Hildegard of Bingen. It provides a valuable resource for advanced university students and researchers interested in medieval history, theology, German literature, musicology, and the history of medicine. By delving into the various aspects of Hildegard's life and output, these essays shed light on her remarkable contributions to the world and her enduring legacy.

Weight: 514g
Dimension: 153 x 228 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108457811
Edition number: New ed