A New Life

The chapter compares Hildegard’s new life at Rupertsberg with her previous time at Disibodenberg, with emphasis on the Opus dei component of monastic life, the limited opportunities for musical performance while at Disibodenberg, and her newfound freedom at Rupertsberg. It examines music possibly used in connection with the rededication of the Rupertsberg church, including O orzchis ecclesia and the musical play Ordo virtutum (The Play of the Virtues). It discusses the play’s plot and structure; musical characterization; performing forces; the range, length, and mode of individual parts (including Victory and Chastity); costuming possibilities; Hildegard’s likely role as Humility; possible reasons for the play’s genesis; and Hildegard’s ongoing interest in the virtues, especially in Scivias.