Who was Hildegard of Bingen?
Q: Who was Hildegard of Bingen?
A: Hildegard of Bingen was a German writer, composer and mystic who lived from about 1098 to 1179. She was an abbess and is well known for her literary works and songs.
Q: What did Hildegard's parents do with her when she was born?
A: When Hildegard was born, she was the tenth child of the family so her parents sent her to a monastery.
Q: At what age did Hildegard become a nun?
A: Hildegard became a nun (took the veil) at the age of 15.
Q: How many monasteries did she found?
A: She founded two monasteries; one on the Rupertsberg in the Rhine valley near Bingen, and another on the other side of the river near Rüdesheim.
Q: What were some titles that were given to Hildegard during her lifetime?
A: During her lifetime, Hildegard had several titles such as "mother superior" and "abbess".
Q: What type of music did she write?
A: Her music mostly has small patterns of melody which are repeated many times in slightly different ways. It also uses higher range than earlier chants which made it easier for women's voices to sing them.
Q: What is unique about Hildegard being a composer?
A:Hildergard is unique because she is believed to be possibly be the first woman to write about female sexuality, as well as being the first composer whose life we know about.
