Henry Purcell's ode Hail! Bright Cecilia is a
celebratory work comprised of masterful instrumental
sections, majestic and ingenious choruses, and varied
solos, duets and trios. It was composed in 1692 for
performance on St. Cecilia's Day (November 22) at an
annual celebration to honor the patron saint of music.
Odes are secular works, similar in form to cantatas,
which were particularly popular in 17th century
England. They commemorated civic and state occasions
such as royal birthdays, marriage...(+)
Henry Purcell's ode Hail! Bright Cecilia is a
celebratory work comprised of masterful instrumental
sections, majestic and ingenious choruses, and varied
solos, duets and trios. It was composed in 1692 for
performance on St. Cecilia's Day (November 22) at an
annual celebration to honor the patron saint of music.
Odes are secular works, similar in form to cantatas,
which were particularly popular in 17th century
England. They commemorated civic and state occasions
such as royal birthdays, marriages, or even the king's
return from a holiday. Purcell's work is a great hymn
of praise to music. The text, written by Nicholas
Brady, honors St. Cecilia, her gift of music, and all
the various musical instruments at her command.
"In vain the amorous flutes" begins with a short
instrumental segment of flutes and continuo. An alto
and tenor alternate the melodic material and weave it
together over the instruments. "The fife and the
harmony of war" is introduced by dramatic trumpet calls
and drums, followed by the alto, who picks up the
theme.
Although originally written for Flutes and Continuo, I
adapted this piece for Concert (Pedal) Harp and 2
Flutes.
SHEET MUSIC