Lingua ignota: Hildegard’s “unknown” language Part I

Voice, vocal trio and Stevie Wishart, hurdy-gurdy

St Hildegard (1098 – 1179) invented a glossary of her own words containing some thousand nouns covering a bizarre range of subjects from spiritual (starting with terms for God and angels) to natural realms (ending with plants and a few birds and insects). Although one can imagine the lingua ignota being useful for mystical or meditational purposes among her communities in Rhineland Germany, their purpose remains something of a mystery. What is more certain is that Hildegard’s words were invented for their sound, as they are so timbrally colourful when spoken or sung, and form the inspiration for our concert where Voice Trio comes together with Hildegard specialist and composer, Stevie Wishart. They will perform Wishart’s compositions that use Hildegard’s lingua ignota as lyrics, together with medieval, contemporary, and improvised works exploring secrets and signs. The music will also feature the hurdy-gurdy — an enigmatic string instrument, bowed with a wheel and dating from Hildegard’s time and with an increasingly powerful voice in music today.

To book second concert from the series, click here: Lingua ignota: Hildegard’s “unknown” language, Part II
To book a concert package, click here:  Voice Trio and Stevie Wishart, hurdy-gurdy, concert package

Number of discounted tickets available. Please use appropriate discount code at the checkout:
FESTIVALCONCESSIONS (Over 60s, Universal Credit, Disability, Companion)
FESTIVALSTUDENT (Under 18s, Students)