Was Ordo uirtutem really an influence on the early development of Opera?
[back to contents] Probably not. Hildegard’s Ordo uirtutem (ca. 1150) is regarded as the first known morality play set to music by an identifiable composer. It has been suggested by Peter Dronke et al. that it was intended as part of the celebratory dedication of Rupertsberg. As far as its possible influence in the invention of opera: While the Florentine Camerata (late 16th century) might have been aware of her works, the influence of Hildegard seems unlikely. The Florentine Camerata were primarily concerned with representations of Ancient Greek music & drama, namely how to combine music with words to move the passions of the performer and audience.
