Hildegard Of Bingen Analysis

The Middle Ages were a transitional period between the fall of the Roman Empire and the beginning of the modern world. Medieval life centered around the church, in which worship services were held, the sick, poor, elderly, and orphaned could take refuge. Here, within the nunneries and convents men and women alike were taught to read and write literature and music. Unfortunately the knowledge was screened by the Church hierarchy, and many were only taught to read works provided to them. Only a fortunate few were granted the privilege to study music and music composition; Hildegard of Bingen was one of these women. Hailing from Bermershein, Germany, Hildegard was born into a family of nine children. Because of her domestic life, she grew up dedicated to the …show more content…
At this time Hildegard claimed to have prophetic visions, since a young age, that told her about how she should be living her life and the lessons she should be teaching her followers. As a woman during this time, Hildegard had no power or any opportunities to share her ideas with others without being shunned for stepping outside of her "gender role.” It wasn’t until she was elected Head of her sister community by her fellow nuns at the age of 38 that she could express her gift of vision through her musical compositions. Her status did not guarantee her acceptance into the patriarchal society, however. She had to gain the acknowledgement of her male colleagues as well. In order to do this Hildegard claimed frailty to gain admission into the male-dominated profession as a religious figure and composer. Hildegard was only accepted as a prophet and a gift from God when the patriarchal societal structures were confirmed and gender roles were established. Gender played as an advantage as well as disadvantage for Hildegard, yet she spun them in her favor in ways that can be defined as