Capable women, doing things the world around them doesn't expect them to do. Not a modern concept.
In the 11th century, Hildegard of Bingen showed the world that its picture of women, the frame within which women might operate, was too small. A woman skilled in medicine, a musician, composer, an intellectual, a mystic, a leader. All in a time when women, and women in the Church, were less than their male counterparts.
Or so it was believed. Ah well, society can't be right all the time, I suppose.
"The Origin of Fire" is only one of the CDs we have of Hildegard's music. It's a CD I particularly like, possibly because of the inclusion of some Gregorian Chant - but then, I'm partial to that. As I am to the performers, Anonymous 4.
There's a very good movie, "Vision", that takes the viewer through the life of Hildegard von Bingen. It shows a very human person, but an extraordinary one for all that.
I'm fascinated by history and extraordinary women who make a mark on it. It's a reminder to me, I suppose, that I have every opportunity possible because of their willingness to push the boundaries of decent behavior for that time.
ReplyDeleteAs am I, Laura. For me it's one of the strongest human qualities, the refusal to accept what all around say "is" or "should be".
DeleteAnd history is full of women who have either pushed, or simply not accepted the boundaries as being real. As it's wondrous to behold in action.
This movie vision sounds interesting
ReplyDeleteIt is. It presents that Hildegard, as a mystic, had visions. It doesn't try to explain them in other than her words.
DeleteThanks for stopping by to comment.