It
seems in music history that we often tend to hear about male composers and
their work, but did you know there are many prominent women composers as well?
Some were known during their lifetime while others gained appreciation
generations following their deaths. This month, let’s look at a few talented
female composers, many who struggled due to gender prejudices during their
lifetimes.
This
week, let’s begin by traveling back to medieval history. Hildegard von Bingen
(1098–1179) lived during an era when women were expected to remain silent in
church. The only way to participate in any type of leadership role or in
singing and composing was by joining a convent. Hildegard was born into a noble
German family who gave her up to the church at a young age. As a result, she
had many intellectual opportunities within the convent which women on the
outside did not receive.
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| Courtesy of wikimedia.org |
Hildegard
was known for founding her own convent and also as a prophet. Because people
believed she was divinely inspired, she likely felt less prejudice for being a woman.
Perhaps this is why she is considered to be one of the Middle Age’s most
prominent composers.
Next
time, join me as we look closer at one famous composition by Hildegard von
Bingen.
