O CORUSCANS LUX STELLARUM BINGEN FERKO (6562 ) (TTBB Secular )

The text O coruscans lux stellarum was written by the 12th century German abbess Hildegard von Bingen and originally set to chant by her. This setting uses quoted portions of the original chant as well as variants thereof... It takes the form of a diptych: two panels in contrasting musical styles, one polyphonic and the other homophonic... The first panel presents the first half of the text with rhythmically active counterpoint which remains consistently in one harmonic color. The second panel presents the second half of the text with much less rhythmic motion but with significantly heightened harmonic color."

O sparkling light of the stars,o most resplendent special form of the regal marriage,o brilliant jewel:you are adorned as a noblewomanwho has no blemishing wrinkle.You remain in the company of angels and a citizen of the holy places.Flee, flee the cave of the ancient destroyer,and come, enter into the palace of the King.