Ian Wilson: 'Una Santa Oscura' (Acoustic Theatre for violin & soundtrack)

The main source of inspiration for my 2009 stage work 'Una Santa Oscura' (“an obscure saint”) is Hildegard of Bingen, the 12th-century German abbess, mystic and composer. The music is partly ritualistic and meditative in nature, structured to reflect a ‘cloistered’ day with its alternations of various rituals, prayers and recurring motifs. Different ethnic styles of string instrument playing were absorbed into the writing, reflecting the possible Mediterranean and North African influences on music in Hildegard’s time. An element of conflict is also present, reflecting Hildegard’s contentious activities and ideas. A particularly important element in Hildegard’s life was her constant struggle to articulate her visions, a struggle which would often leave her physically ill; this persistent strife is a central theme in the work.
The various movements in 'Una Santa Oscura' alternate between lyrical 'Devotion' movements, and dance-type sections inspired by the visions which intermittently overtook Hildegard - her descriptions of which led neurologist Oliver Sachs to say she suffered classic symptoms of migraine. Interspersed among the main movement types are various Interludes which allude, in turn, to her personal relationships and other events in her life, as well as more mundane quotidian rituals such as cooking and washing.
An electronically-generated soundtrack (made in collaboration with Stephen McCourt and John Greenwood) plays continuously, and much of its basis is one of Hildegard’s compositions, 'Ave Maria, O auctrix vite' [Hail Mary, O source of life]. Almost all the electronic sounds are sourced from violinist Ioana Petcu-Colan playing and singing, who is also the performer on this recording ("Una Santa Oscura", Limb from Limb Records LfL 002, 2010).
Movements:
1. Devotional 1 (0'00")
2. Interlude 1 (4'55")
3. Visionary 1 (6'49")
4. Tirade (8'39")
5. Devotional 2 (11'52")
6. Interlude 2 (15'16")
7. Intense Love [Richardis] (17'03")
8. Visionary 2 (20'59")
9. Devotional 3 (25'45")
10. Interlude 3 (28'09")
11. Near Death Experience (29'59")
12. Visionary 3 (35'08")
13. Devotional 4 (42'22")