The music on this CD has a unique origin. Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179), mystic, theologian and German composer, claims to have heard these melodies during psychic experiences. While other visionaries lose touch with reality and fall into ecstasy, Hildegard experienced her visions with complete alertness. She later communicated what she had seen and heard through images, writings and music. The title of this CD, Vox Aeternitatis, refers to the divine voice that instructs the mystic to write down her revelations.

These compositions are taken from the Symphonia harmoniae caelestium revelationum, Hildegard's most important musical work. The title reflects the heavenly origin of these pieces, which comprise 77 elements such as psalms, hymns, sequences and antiphons.

For this performance, the artists chose musical instruments associated with medieval monasticism, such as psaltery, symphonia, cymbals, fiddle, percussion, flute and monochord. Only two voices are heard: a female one, ideally representing Hildegard herself, and a male one, the monk Volmar, her secretary, who was responsible for transcribing the visions.

Hildegard's melodies sometimes exceed the compositional conventions of the time, particularly in terms of vocal range and the expansion of melismas - elements that occasionally push the boundaries of performance possibility. Her style is remarkably personal and distinctive, which is evident in the modal settings that are perfectly matched to the texts and in the unmistakable and recurring melodic formulas that are closely linked to the spiritual and expressive character of the texts.

Performed with great respect and commitment by the Schola Romana Ensemble, founded in 2000 by flautist and conductor Stefano Sabene and specializing in early and contemporary music. The ensemble presents multidisciplinary musical productions that are often in dialog with various art forms such as theater, dance, architecture, visual arts, literature and film.

Their commitment to musicological research and experimentation drives the ensemble to explore an extensive repertoire ranging from the music of ancient Rome to medieval Europe. In this context, they have focused in particular on the performance practice of a cappella polyphony and rediscovered the so-called "pure tuning".

O vis eternitatis; O frondens virga; Hodie aperuit; Karitas habundat; O pulcre facies; O quam mirabilis est; O speculum columbe; Vos flores rosarum; Columba aspexit; O pastor animarum; Alleluja, o virga mediatrix; Laus Trinitati; O viriditas digiti Dei; O eterne Deus; Spiritus Sanctus vivificans; O virtus sapientiae