Hildegard von Bingen was a German Benedictine abbess, writer, composer, philosopher, and Christian mystic. She was a prolific composer and author who overcame obstacles as a female writer in the 12th century. Some of her accomplishments included founding two monasteries, writing scientific texts, as well as visionary writings and more than 70 musical works. Her music was ahead of its time and she played an important role in the history of sacred music.