Скачать или смотреть Alkemie & Friends: O Frondens Virga

"Alkemie's video presents a hypnotic rendition of Hildegard von Bingen’s “O Frondens Virga” (“O Blooming Branch”), a piece that centers on nature and growth. While von Bingen is perhaps most known for her feminist writings and influence, she also explored medical and herbal practices and believed that humans and nature were intertwined. Recently, Alkemie has taken a great interest in exploring von Bingen’s writings on nature and medicine. “O Frondens Virga” is an apt companion for our current moment; its focus on blooming is a reminder of growth in a time that feels stagnant.

“O Frondens Virga” also offers the group a great deal of experimentation; von Bingen’s compositions were one line of music, without specification of instruments or rhythms. In this rendition, Alkemie & Friends illuminate the music with a variety of instruments and vocal parts, adding layers and giving depth to the sound. The result is a dramatic and enveloping piece of music, one that delicately bridges the gap between von Bingen’s world and our own, offering a graceful reminder of our interconnectedness."


-- Vanessa Ague for Metroplis Ensemble (metropolisensemble.org)


Psalm antiphon for the Virgin (D 155r) by Hildegard of Bingen

O frondens virga,
in tua nobilitate stans
sicut aurora procedit:
nunc gaude et letare
et nos debiles dignare
a mala consuetudine liberare
atque manum tuam porrige
ad erigendum nos.


O blooming branch,
you stand upright in your nobility,
as breaks the dawn on high:
Rejoice now and be glad,
and deign to free us, frail and weakened,
from the wicked habits of our age;
stretch forth your hand
to lift us up aright.


Latin collated from the transcription of Beverly Lomer and the edition of Barbara Newman; translation by Nathaniel M. Campbell.

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