In this episode we read and discuss a letter that Hildegard wrote to the Prelates at Mainz, who had placed her and her nuns under interdict for failing to follow their instructions. The interdict had deprived them of the ability to sing the divine office, a punishment that Hildegard believed was not just unnecessarily harsh, but also contradictory to the will of God. In this letter, she makes some of her strongest recorded statements about music's essential role in worship, and its power to connect humanity with its maker. You can access the letter (pp. 76-80) and many others at this link. We hope you enjoy the conversation!
In this episode we read and discuss a letter that Hildegard wrote to the Prelates at Mainz, who had placed her and her nuns under interdict for failing to follow their instructions. The interdict had deprived them of the ability to sing the divine office, a punishment that Hildegard believed was not just unnecessarily harsh, but also contradictory to the will of God. In this letter, she makes some of her strongest recorded statements about music's essential role in worship, and its power to connect humanity with its maker. You can access the letter (pp. 76-80) and many others at this link. We hope you enjoy the conversation!