68 Schulze ⦁ Hildegard The cry for deliverance from sexual temptation, the deliverance granted from God, and the supposed closer relationship it brought them to God is represented by a higher vocal range in Strophe 10 (see Example 2).12 Example 2: Hildegard von Bingen, “O dulcissime amator,” from Symphonia virginum.13 Grant us her company to dwell with you, O bridegroom sweet, who saved us from the devil’s jaws, who dragged our primal parents into death.14 These verses depict the close relationship that the women will have with God in heaven after they eschew the earthly temptations of sex and marriage. They are looking forward to dwelling in the celestial city at the culmination of history, referenced in Strophes 8 and 9, a concept she also writes about in her song Io Jerusalem. Hildegard remained unmarried to be a spotless bride for the bridegroom (Christ). This perfection brings her closer to God and gives her a more authoritative voice in the Catholic Church. In addition to her acceptance of women as lowlier and her virginity symbolizing her close relationship with God, Hildegard believed that her visions were from God and wrote about the role of the Holy Spirit. As a part of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit both communicates between the Father and Son and applies the plan from the source of the Father and 12 Campbell, “O dulcissime amator.” 13 Campbell, “O dulcissime amator.” 14 Campbell, “O dulcissime amator.”
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