Ordo Virtutum

Ordo Virtutum is a powerful blend of poetic texts brimming with the vivid imagery of Hildegard‘s visions, monastic restraint in the pace of the narrative, echoes of liturgical ritual, and peaks of musical and emotional intensity conveying that the Soul‘s eternal salvation or damnation is at stake. Music was a powerful weapon in Hildegard‘s evangelistic weaponry, and she wields it very deliberately in the play. With the exception of the Devil, the characters sing together and as solo voices in plainchant throughout. This is a new transcription and embellished performing edition, transcribed anew from the original notation with rhythmic inflections inferred according to the burgeoning 12th-century system of rhythmic modes. As well as a semi-improvised praelocutio, drones and other harmonic and colouristic effects including options for ‘symphonia‘-instrumental sounds from the time-have been added in a characteristic blend of moderation and exuberance. As sung by The Song Company in Circle of Virtue.