Melissa Dunphy

Commissioned by University of Cincinnati Choruses — Alta Petit (Reina Dickey, director), Heri et Hodie, (Krista Cornish Scott, director), and Highlands High School Bel Canto (Joseph Rivers, director), April 2022.

Mel et Lac
By Hildegard of Bingen

Favus distillans Ursula virgo fuit,
que Agnum Dei amplecti desideravit,
mel et lac sub lingua eius:

Quia pomiferum hortum
et flores florum
in turba virginum ad se collegit.

Unde in nobilissima aurora
gaude, filia Syon.

[Translation:

Honey and Milk

A dripping honeycomb was the virgin Ursula,
who yearned to embrace the Lamb of God,
honey and milk beneath her tongue:

Because, like a garden bearing fruits
and the flowers’ blooms,
she gathered around her a throng of virgins.

So in the noblest dawn
rejoice, O daughter of Zion!]

Artwork by Francois Huber.

Performances

• 07 Mar, 2025: Heri et Hodie and Reina Dickey, presenter at Mississippi University for Women, Columbus, MS
• 13 Apr, 2022: University of Cincinnati Choruses, Heri et Hodie, Highland High School Treble Choir at Hyde Park United Methodist Church, Cincinnati, OH