The earliest female composer - in fact, one of the first identified composers, PERIOD - was Hildegard von Bingen, the medieval nun who also wrote books on theology, botany, and medicine, and in hundreds of letters gave counsel to everyone from peasants to kings.

Her music was virtually unknown until around the 800th anniversary of her death in 1979 when an English ensemble performed her music. Soon after, the release of an album in 1983 became a surprise best-seller for people looking for affirmation and calm in a bustling modern world.

In the forty years since, interest in Hildegard's music and life has spawned hundreds of recordings, biographies, documentaries and more that highlight her accomplishments not only as a composer but a visionary, founder of monasteries, a leader who earned the respect of church and political leaders and, some say, a prophet. Branches of the Roman Catholic Church have recognized her as a saint for centuries.

Hear some of Hildegard's music throughout the day today at approximately these times:

6:00am: Veni Creator Spriritus, performed by Anonymous 4.

9:35am: Instrumental Piece, performed by Sequentia.

12:56pm: Two Instrumental Dances from Ordo Virtutum, performed by Sequentia.

3:16pm: Instrumental Piece, performed by Sequentia.

6:31pm: O Quam preciosa, performed by Sequentia.