What instrument did Hildegard of Bingen play?

Hildegard of Bingen played the psaltery, a stringed instrument that resembles a zither or a small harp.

Her Early Musical Education

Hildegard of Bingen's musical training began early in her life. Upon entering the monastery, she was confined in a cell with Jutta, an older woman who became her mentor. Jutta taught Hildegard to sing and to play the ten-stringed psaltery. This foundational instruction in both vocal performance and instrumental music laid the groundwork for Hildegard's profound contributions to medieval music.

Understanding the Psaltery

The psaltery was a popular stringed instrument during the medieval period, often depicted in illuminated manuscripts and artworks from the era. Its characteristics include:

• Stringed Instrument: It typically featured multiple strings stretched across a soundboard.
• Variety of Forms: Psalteries came in various shapes and sizes, but they are generally categorized as instruments where the strings are plucked, strummed, or sometimes struck.
• Sound Quality: Known for its clear, resonant tones, the psaltery would have provided a suitable accompaniment for vocal performance and meditative music, aligning with the monastic environment.

Hildegard's Legacy in Music

While Hildegard is primarily celebrated for her innovative and extensive body of musical compositions, including sacred chants and the morality play Ordo Virtutum, her personal experience playing an instrument like the psaltery highlights the practical musical skills she developed. Her deep understanding of music, likely informed by hands-on experience with instruments, allowed her to compose works that were both spiritually profound and musically intricate, influencing generations of musicians and scholars.

Key Facts About Hildegard's Musical Instrument

For more information on Hildegard of Bingen's life and her musical contributions, you can explore resources such as the Hildegard of Bingen Wikipedia page.