Hildegard of Bingen

A brief excerpt from a fascinating article at Fordham.edu:

 Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179)

was a remarkable woman, a “first” in many fields. At a time when few women wrote, Hildegard, known as “Sybil of the Rhine”, produced major works of theology and visionary writings. When few women were accorded respect, she was consulted by and advised bishops, popes, and kings. She used the curative powers of natural objects for healing, and wrote treatises about natural history and medicinal uses of plants, animals, trees and stones. She is the first composer whose biography is known. She founded a vibrant convent, where her musical plays were performed.

The above article also notes that her visions and music have been appropriated by the “New Age” movement. The following site, “Healing Chants” seems to be an example, but also seems to have many informative links, including audio recordings of her music, and Latin texts of her writings with English translations.