Linda Kachelmeier (b. 1965)
Composer; Conductor; Singer
Works published by MoV
O vis eternitatis (SSS)
O vis eternitatis (SSS)
Suffused with direct quotations from Hildegard von Bingen’s O vis eternitatis responsory (distinctively, for example, in the 2nd soprano-line setting of ‘vis’, ‘o quam’ and ‘gloria’, and ‘abstersa’ in 2nd and 3rd sopranos), this highly melismatic setting makes extensive use of triplet-quaver rhythms, as well as much longer notes, sometimes used as pedal points. The central section employs a two-part canon, firstly between 1st and 2nd sopranos, and then between the 2nd and 3rd sopranos, followed by an imitative section starting ‘et sic’, for all three parts. The piece ends with another direct quotation from Hildegard von Bingen’s chant, sung in unison, and ending as it started, on the pitch D, cementing the Phrygian mode tonality on D.
Translation
V. O power within Eternity: All things you held in order in your heart, and through your Word were all created according to your will. And then your very Word was clothed within that form of flesh from Adam born.
R. And so his garments were washed and cleansed from greatest suffering.
V. How great the Saviour's goodness is! For he has freed all things by his own Incarnation, which divinity breathed forth unchained by any sin.
R. And so his garments were washed and cleansed by greatest suffering.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Translation. © Nathaniel M. Campbell / International Society of Hildegard von Bingen Studies
O vis eternitatis (SSS)
This work is published in our anthology Volume 1
and as a licenced digital pdf
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Perusal score coming soon
(August 2025)
Linda Kachelmeier (b. 1965)
Linda is a composer, conductor, and professional singer with a special passion for choral music and art songs for their capacity to convey emotion through the human voice. She has received numerous grants and commissions including the 2017 McKnight Fellowship for Composition. Linda’s music has been performed by ensembles of every level across the US. She is the founder and artistic director of the women’s vocal ensemble LUMINA. Since 1991 she has been the Director of Music at First Presbyterian Church in South St Paul.
'I have sung many pieces by Hildegard von Bingen and have always been amazed by her agile, flowing, and hypnotic chant lines. When my career as a singer and conductor led me to composing, Hildegard’s texts and compositions became some of my first inspirations.'
(Linda Kachelmeier)