Saint Cecilia, patron saint of musicians, poets, composers and instrument builders, is celebrated on her feast day through the creation of a pastiche ode in her honor. On November 22, 1683, musicians and music lovers of The Musical Society of London started an annual tradition of commemorating Cecilia through newly composed works, with Henry Purcell’s Welcome to all the pleasures headlining the first festival. Purcell’s best known Cecilian ode, Hail! Bright Cecilia (1692), used a libretto from the Irishman Nicholas Brady, who in turn had reworked John Dryden’s poem A Song for St. Cecilia’s Day. Handel’s own cantata Ode for St. Cecilia’s Day (1739) continued in this tradition, returning to this same poem half a century later. Music by Purcell, Handel, Blow, Eccles, and Festing.
Musicians:
Sonya Headlam, soprano
Carmen Lavada Johnson-Pájaro and Ravenna Lipchik, violins
Stephanie Corwin, bassoon
Sarah Stone, cello
Gabe Shuford, harpsichord