Music.
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Hildegard of Bingen’s O viridissima virga ("O Greenest Branch") and Léonin’s First Respond from Viderunt Omnes ("All the Ends of the Earth") both utilize single melodies that have constant repetition and rhythm. Other than that, they both rely on the use of melismas as an emphasis tool to get the attention of the audience. Both of these compositions have the rhythmic freedom as they both have stratified textures and short-length notes which control the length of the pitch.
Hildegard of Bingen’s O viridissima virga ("O Greenest Branch") is vague but strophic since all of the successive verses commence with phrases that are melodic. The chant contains a few melismas hence giving O viridissima virga a neumatic fashion. In contrast to Hildegard of Bingen’s O viridissima virga, Léonin’s First Respond from Viderunt Omnes has melismas that are amplified by the polyphony, and this draws the listeners attention. Lastly, unlike the O viridissima virga, the Viderunt Omnes has a fast tempo, a polyphonic texture, a polyrhythm rhythm, and a disjunct melody.
Both of these compositions revolve around the spiritual life and religious unity of individuals. However, these compositions were created to illustrate and portray different messages. To begin with, Hildegard of Bingen’s O viridissima virga was meant to compare nature and the healing effect that it has on humanity. This piece infuses the writer’s spiritual works and beliefs about the purpose of nature. On the other hand, Léonin’s First Respond from Viderunt Omnes mainly passed in the message of holding on to salvation.
Reference
Wright, C. (2013). Listening to music. Nelson Education.
