Ode to St. Cecilia (Purcell)
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Hail! Bright Cecilia, also known as Ode to St. Cecilia, was composed from a text by Nicholas Brady by Henry Purcell in 1692 in honour of the feast day of Saint Cecilia, patron saint of musicians. Annual celebrations of this saint's feast day began in 1683, organized by the Musical Society of London, a groups of musicians and music lovers. Purcell had already written some pieces in previous years, but this Ode remains the best known. The orchestra consisted of trumpets, timpani, recorders, bass, and an organ, with each instrument given its own solo. The first performance was a great success, and received an encore.
Purcell is one of several composers who have written music in honour of Saint Cecilia.
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