Dear esteemed forum members, some here may recall that I published an article earlier this year about the music of Hildegard von Bingen, and in particular, about its relationship to the sung Office (for which most of her music, outside of the Ordo Virtutum, was written). Then, in May of this year, the International Chant Academy hosted Medieval and Renaissance music specialist Marsja Mudde from the Netherlands to teach us about the music of Hildegard von Bingen.

Well, she was so popular with our students that we have asked her back.

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HILDEGARD STUDY DAYS
Study musical selections of Hildegard von Bingen in live, online interactive sessions via Zoom with Medieval and Renaissance Music specialist Marsja Mudde.

An exclusive Practitioner's Track designed for ICA students who have completed the Hands On with Hildegard lecture series (recorded lectures and all ancillary materials are available upon request). Led by Marsja Mudde, each live, online 2-hour session will be devoted to unpacking 1-2 of Hildegard's musical compositions.

The music of Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179) is characterized by greater freedom and scope in the melodies than the Gregorian chant of her time. The lyrics of her songs also show an enormous wealth of images and layers of meaning.
The way of working is according to oral tradition, as was common in Hildegard’s time. Marsja speaks and sings, the participants imitate, and so on. The written text and translation are used as tools, which we study carefully in advance. In addition, hand gestures are used that are traced from the original notation of this music, which has been handed down in manuscripts from her time.

MARSJA MUDDE is a specialist in Medieval and Renaissance music and an accomplished soprano based in the Netherlands. Marsja regularly performs the music of Hildegard von Bingen from manuscript facsimiles bearing the original Hufnagel notation, and teaches chironomy based on the same. Marsja has maintained a thriving singing teaching practice since 2005, which attracts students from all over the Netherlands due to her specialization. She teaches and assists at the Center Cantus Modalis training center, which annually organizes several masterclasses for professional singers on Renaissance and early Baroque composers and their work. She also participates in scientific research and publications at the Center.

3 Fall 2025 sessions (music selections TBA):
Fri, Sept. 5 | Sat, Nov. 1 | Mon, Nov. 17

Maximum of 5 active participants per session. To facilitate an environment of trust and collaboration, study days will not be recorded.

"The class was not just about reading music, it was about bringing Hildegard's process of composing to life. Her knowledge of Hildegard's music was much deeper than anything I had experienced before, going beyond notation and into the realm of emotion and inspiration." Miyoko ~ Germany

View requirements, tuition, and meeting times in your local time zone at https://www.chantacademy.com/hildegard-study-days