Here is the second in my “Scivias chants” mini series: O tu suavissima virga. The first was O splendidissima gemma, and this is its paired responsory – also dedicated to the Virgin Mary. (You will find my setting of O splendidissima gemmahere.)
I will now get to work revisiting this one, so that it is ready in time for the live première of both these Scivias pieces: during a concert to be given by my new group, Ensemble Caldemia, at 6pm on March 16th in the Brussels Cathedral.
o tu suavissima virga: a responsory dedicated to the Virgin Mary
O you, the sweetest branch, sprouting from the root of Jesse. O how great is the virtue which the divinity beheld in this most beautiful daughter, like an eagle sets its eye to the sun, when the heavenly father directed attention to the bright virgin, in whom he wished his word to be made carnate. V: For in the mystical mystery of God, the virgin’s mind was enlightened and from her came forth the wonderfully bright flower.
It is with great pleasure that I announce another series of workshops around the inspiring music of Hildegard von Bingen – 12th-century abbess, composer, herbalist, linguist, and all-round influencer!
Music was a central part of Hildegard’s life – she considered it to be a foretaste of paradise. During February and March next year, I will offer four workshops (given in English, French and Dutch) that will focus on singing Hildegard von Bingen from her original notation. Once you’ve tried it you’ll never look back 🙂
Why learn to read her language?
Singing Hildegard from modern editions is problematic because our modern notation encourages a note-by-note interpretation of her melodies. Using the original notation as a basis frees up your mind and your voice as you follow the direction of the musical phrases, shown graphically on the page. It is a language that once learnt is never put aside!
Who should come?
These workshops are open to both professional and amateur singers. The only technical requirement is that you have the confidence to sing in a small group and that you can pitch and hold a note. We will learn the language of the notation together.
Practicalities:
There are four workshops planned in 2025 on 08/02, 22/02, 08/03 and 15/03, all in the beautiful Brussels Cathedral on Saturday mornings between 9:00 and 12:00. These workshops will culminate in a group performance on Sunday March 16, 2025 during 11:00 mass at the Cathedral. There will also be an end-of-series concert given by Ensemble Caldemia on Sunday March 16, 2025 at 18:00.
Because of the nature of these workshops, the number of participants is limited. First come first served! Please contact me (penelope.turner@telenet.be or +32 476 713 525) and I will send you a registration form. The basic prices are mentioned on the flyer, but please note that I am offering a reduction of 50% for students, professional musicians, the unemployed and the over 65s.
Big thanks to the Cathedral for hosting this project. I can’t wait to share this wonderful music with you!
A quick post to announce that I have finished my revisiting of #47, the Marian chant Cum processit. Yay!
However, as this one is scored for organ, rather than my usual cellos and voices, it’s not possible for me to record it at home.
Cum processit – the finger of God will be premièred on December 16, 2024 during a lunchtime concert in the “Lundi d’Orgue” series in the Finistère Church in Brussels (more details here).
So you can either come and experience it live, or wait until I can upload the recording.
In the meantime, I will get going on with my next chant (#48) – watch this space!
On the web site of the Brussels Cathedral, you will now find a nice souvenir of our recent Hildegard von Bingen mini festival in the form of a short video that gives a taste of what we got up to 🙂
Here is the next Hildegard von Bingen antiphon up for revisiting in my Hildegard Revisited project. As ever, before I create my new piece around this work I have first recorded the monody in its original form (sung from the 12th century Dendermonde manuscript – if you are interested, can follow the neumes on the first two manuscript images below):
cum processit: an antiphon dedicated to the Virgin Mary
When the creation of God’s finger came forth, formed in God’s image, issuing of mixed blood through the pilgrim-way of Adam’s fall, then the elements received these vital joys in you, O Mary, worthy of praise, and in the reddening sky they sound you in their praises.
