Mass of our Lady and St. Rochus

This setting of the Mass was created in 1988 specially for the 30th anniversary commemoration of the establishment of a link between the towns of Hitchin in Hertfordshire and Bingen-am-Main, some 30 km west of Frankfurt, and the birthplace in 1098 of Hildegard, the first composer whose biography came down to us. She was a remarkable woman, a nun who produced significant works of theology, treatises on natural healing and musical plays and hymns. At a time when few women were accorded any great academic respect, she was an adviser to the popes, bishops and royalty of her time. The Mass uses melodic lines and phrases from several of Hildegard's hymns in each of its parts. 

Commissioned by Michael Procter with funds from Eastern Arts, North Hertfordshire District Council and Stadtrat Bingen-am-Main.

Text: Latin