Over the centuries, the Virtues have been artistically interpreted not only in music but in representational art and literature as well. Here, the Chorus performs a section (specifically, the second scene of the second act) of Hildegard von Bingen’s Ordo Virtutum, the first morality play to reach us intact.
In this work, a repentant Soul seeks the assistance of the Virtues and of their queen, Humility, in order to resist the flattery of the Devil. In Ordo Virtutum, the Devil is played by a male actor who does not sing because, according to Hildegard, the Devil was incapable of producing the divine musical language of Paradise.
In the polyphonic sections, texts related to joy or psalms of praise are performed.
Solo Voice and Choir Director: Tiziana Fumagalli
Staging and Choreography: Simona Vergani
Selected Performances
“Lombardia Musica” Festival, “Il Canto delle Pietre” (The Stones Sing)
Monastery of Santa Giulia, Brescia, June 9, 2001
Galliano Basilica, Cantù, June 10, 2001
“Femminili Incanti” (Feminine Enchantment)
Basilica of Saints Pietro e Paolo, Agliate, May 14, 2006
Millennium Celebration of the Consecration of the Galliano Basilica
Cantù, July 2, 2006