Description
The German mystic the Abbess, Saint Hildegarde de Bingen, describes in the Sciula contraction of Cito uias
domini (Learn the ways of the Lord), the visions that she had from childhood. This kind of experience is in
a certain extent comparable to the beginning of the process of artistic creation. It was the case of Hildegarde
herself, who had great expertise in many fields, including medicine, astronomy. and poetry which she often
set in musical setting which were often very inspired.
"According to God’s will, my soul sometimes goes up into the heights of the sky and in the various regions of air,
sometimes among the various peoples who live in far-off lands, unknown places because I see these things in my soul
and according to this manner I see them also according to the imprecision of clouds and other creatures. I do not hear
these things with my ear, I do not perceive them according to the thoughts of my heart, nor any of my five sense. I see
them only en my soul, and the eyes of my body are open; And I see them awake both day and night"
This work also exists in a version for alto saxophone and piano.