With spell-binding ambience, this piece is a perfect opportunity to showcase a soloist or section. Comforting audiences with a timeless melody and dramatic yet approachable a cappella accompaniment, this quick to learn piece will turn any space into a medieval cathedral.

Composer’s Notes

Every time I notice a collection of leaves dancing together on the same breezy branch, I can’t help but be mystified by their movement. Each leaf moving in its own, unique way, yet simultaneously swaying rhythmically connected to the others. Perhaps that’s part of what is so captivating about Hildegard’s music: that even 900 years later, it still perfectly encapsulates the feeling of searching for connections to our own spirituality through nature. As with any chant, the pace and rhythm should come from the feeling of the text. In this notation, each quarter-note head is given the pulse, with the diamond-heads moving faster, and the half and whole notes being held longer. Trills/shakes are notated as well. The short section of all parts singing text will benefit from rote speaking/response without pitches first to align things rhythmically. The key of the piece is flexible and should be adapted to the forces, acoustic, and overall program.

-Chris Foss

Text

O frondens virga,
in tua nobilitate stans
sicut aurora procedit:
nunc gaude et letare
et nos debiles dignare
a mala consuetudine liberare
atque manum tuam porrige
ad erigendum nos.

-Hildegard von Bingen

TRANSLATION:
O leafy branch,
in your nobility stand firm
as sunrise proceeds.
Now be glad and rejoice,
and find our weakness worthy.
Free us from evil ways,
and stretch out your hand
to lift us.

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