Hildegard of Bingen

Women Composers

by Honey Meconi

A Renaissance woman long before the Renaissance, the visionary Hildegard of Bingen (1098–1179) corresponded with Europe's elite, founded and led a noted women's religious community, and wrote on topics ranging from theology to natural history. Yet we know her best as Western music's most accomplished early composer, responsible for a wealth of musical creations for her fellow monastics. Honey Meconi draws on her own experience as a scholar and performer of Hildegard's music to explore the life and work of this foundational figure. Combining historical detail with musical analysis, Meconi delves into Hildegard's mastery of plainchant, her innovative musical drama, and her voluminous writings. Hildegard's distinctive musical style still excites modern listeners through wide-ranging, sinuous melodies set to her own evocative poetry. Together with her passionate religious texts, her music reveals a holistic understanding of the medieval world still relevant to today's readers.

Genres: History, Music, Religion, Nonfiction

176 pages, Paperback

First published October 24, 2018

Reviews

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This thoroughly researched and detailed exploration of the life and work of Hildegard of Bingen is academic scholarship at its best but for the general reader, someone like me, perhaps a little inaccessible. It examines the music in such depth that much of it went over my head, and, more to the point perhaps, was of little relevance. This was not a fault of the book, which is an excellent one, I feel, but I was not the target audience, although I appreciated leaning more about the life. A book for serious music lovers, musicologists, teachers and students, and a valuable contribution to Hildegard scholarship.

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honey Meconi's book is a nice introduction to the life and work of 12th century nun Hildegard of Bingen. In the book's first half, Meconi provides an accessible and well-written biography of Hildegard, drawing on the latest scholarship. In the second, she offers a more in-depth account of HIldegard's musical works. This second section assumes some musical literacy, but not specialist specialist knowledge. Hildegard of Bingen is suitable and will appeal to general audiences and serve as a solid foundation on Hildegard for undergraduate students.

[January Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely journey. Exhaustively researched and easy to read. I had never heard of her before and it was wonderful to learn about her. What an interesting woman!

[Katherine]

An interesting book on a fascinating woman.

[Rei ⭐ [TrulyBooked] · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in return for my honest review.

I love Hildegard of Bingen. I've always had a soft spot for medieval mystics, but Hildegard especially. This dive into her life by Honey Meconi might not have the drama of Hildegard's visions, but it's the perfect primer for getting to know Hildegard.

If you want to start from the beginning, I would recommend this quick read on the mystic's life. If you're looking for more in-depth dives into Hildegard's visions, there are other books that will serve you better.

One thing I found interesting though with Meconi's version was that there was a focus on Hildegard's music. That's something you rarely see elsewhere and that alone made the read worthwhile.

For more reviews like this one, visit Truly Booked.

[Katrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Genuinely fascinating. Had no idea Hildegard was so accomplished and so brilliantly resilient despite being plagued by poor health throughout her life. Incredibly accessible biography and well written.

Will admit, I'd probably would have gotten a lot more from it had my musical knowledge been a bit more advanced. I did feel a bit out my depth in the second half where Meconi started discussing arrangements and key note changes in Hildegard's compositions but that was entirely on me.

This was an ARC in exchange for am honest review. With thanks to Netgalley and University of Illinois Press.

[toria (vikz writes) · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting book about an interesting woman. My only quibble is that it could have been longer. Read this book

[Kata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hildegard, what an inspiring and smart lady you were!

[Alex Stephenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent in its brevity, worth a read if you can get your hands on it.

[Brigitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a brief biography to introduce this famous German nun to a wider audience. In 9 chapters the author introduces Hildegards astonishing life followed by an introduction of all her written works. At the end of the book is a more detailed description of her musical works. It is a short easy read for everyone who would like to know more about this fabulous, visionary nun.