Publisher's description:
Hildegard (1098-1179) was a remarkable woman, a ‘first’ in many fields. At a time when few women wrote, she produced major works of theology, music and visionary writings. She used the curative powers of music and natural objects for healing. She is the first composer whose biography is known. Her story is an inspirational account of an irresistible spirit and vibrant intellect overcoming social, physical, cultural and gender barriers.
DVD 1 - ORDO VIRTUTUM (The Ritual of the Virtues) – Hildegard’s great ‘musical morality play’ on the journey of the soul, in an atmospheric dramatised film, performed by the dedicated ensemble Vox Animae. Directed by early music specialists Evelyn Tubb and Michael Fields. (70 mins)
A REAL MYSTIC - An interview and lecture with Professor Matthew Fox and Mary Grabowsky, experts on Hildegard’s spiritual significance to the 21st century. (45 mins)
DVD 2 - HILDEGARD – Dramatised BBC Omnibus biographical documentary, starring Patricia Routledge. (55 mins)
A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION - The Washington National Cathedral presents a documentary about the life and times of Hildegard. (50 mins)
ILLUMINATIONS - Art gallery of Hildegard’s mystic visions, with comments by Professor Matthew Fox. (30 mins)

Reviews
‘A varied and through examination of Hildegard’s multi-faceted and unique contribution to the spiritual, literary, musical and iconographic life of the 12th century ‘renaissance’…’ Gramophone
‘A fine line of sopranos and mezzos sings Hildegard’s soaring plainsong…’
Classic fM Magazine
‘Hildegard von Bingen was a genius in many fields and a truly ‘renaissance woman’. Author and artist, healer and composer, playwright and poet, theologian and scientist, visionary and prophet, she has inspired many throughout the ages.
Opus Arte’s two DVD set explores Hildegard’s many facets and talents with a 70 minute performance of her musical morality play on the journey of the Soul, Ordo Virtutum - The Ritual of the Virtues, thought to be the oldest surviving ‘opera’. Followed by a fully dramatised BBC biographical documentary, Omnibus, a 40 minute documentary from The National Cathedral Washington, a 45 minute interview with two experts on Hildegard’s significance for us today and a full gallery of Hildegard’s beautiful mystic Mandala-like paintings. A truly insightful performance and will be of interest to many who have a curiosity about human development. Excellent!’
In Balance Magazine
‘I can think of no better introduction to this earliest of music dramas than the performance filmed here… one is left overawed by the experience. But this is not just a performance of the Ordo Virtutum. Together, the two DVD’s contain over four hours of material designed to create a well-rounded portrait of Hildegard. Best of all is an affectionate dramatised ‘bio-pic’ from the BBC, starring Patricia Routledge as a rather matronly Hildegard: there’s a fine supporting cast and lots of glorious singing too. Effortlessly woven into the script are many of her own words – ‘I am no more than a feather carried on the breath of God, blown which way he pleases’ – which, together with some rather beautiful re-creations of her visions, make for a thoroughly enjoyable and informative watch… Certainly worth buying…’
International Record Review
‘…one of the most potent and electrifying - and profoundly moving - 70 minutes of film I’ve seen in a long time’
WNET (on Ordo Virtutum)