IMC 2014: Sessions

Hildegard of Bingen’s writings and music have moved from the periphery into the centre of many medieval surveys in religious history, as well as in the many areas to which Hildegard contributed (theology in homiletic and visionary literature, music, drama, hagiography, letters, natural science, and medicine). This workshop, following on from Thursday’s sessions ‘Hildegard of Bingen: Theology in Poetry and Music’, is designed to bring together people who have teaching or research interests in Hildegard’s works or who are simply interested in finding out more about the interdisciplinary study of the newest Doctor of the Church. All participants will be encouraged to contribute insights from their own research and teaching to the discussions.

The day starts with two short presentations outlining the political and ecclesiastical settings fundamental to understanding Hildegard’s work. These will be followed by a round table of the workshop tutors, who will present a variety of approaches to studying Hildegard’s work, discuss their current research, and address questions and comments from the workshop participants. The rest of the day will consist of smaller study groups each led by one of the tutors, focusing on the interrelationships among Hildegard’s works and the difficulties and opportunities they present for interpreters of her work. Examples for discussion will be drawn from both earlier and later periods of Hildegard’s life, approaching the issues by using the lyric texts and music that Hildegard herself identified as complementing her large visionary works.

Issues to be discussed include identifying Hildegard’s creative fusions of sources and influences, her works’ manuscript transmission and chronology, and the historical, religious, and pedagogical circumstances in which they were produced. Bibliographies will be provided and tools for further study and teaching will be demonstrated.

The day runs from 09.30 to 16.00 with time for lunch. Tea and coffee will be provided during break times. Presenters and workshop leaders include: Margot Fassler, William T. Flynn, and Tova Leigh Choate (co-authors of the two chapters dealing with Hildegard’s musical works for A Companion to Hildegard of Bingen, ed. By B. Kienzle, D. Stoudt, and G. Ferzoco (Leiden: Brill, 2014)); and Graham A. Loud, Julia Steuart Barrow, and Stephen Marc D’Evelyn.

The workshop can only accommodate a limited number of participants. Early booking is strongly recommended. Participants will receive a certificate of attendance on the day.

Fee: £10.00