Orphic Hymn to Ceralian Demeter

by Traditional poetry with original music by Kimberly Steele

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about

The Orphic Hymns are ancient Greek poems that were part of the multi-god worshipping religious practice of Orphism. In 1787, the Orphic Hymns were translated into English by Thomas Taylor. A second edition was published in 1824. There are 87 known Orphic Hymns.

In 2019, I began composing music for the Orphic Hymns. As of the date of this writing, I have composed music for 18 of Taylor's hymns with plans to eventually cover the entire canon.

This track was sung and edited entirely without pitch correction (Autotune). The lead vocal was a single take.

lyrics

Ceralian [Antaia] queen, of celebrated name,
from whom both men, and Gods immortal came;
Who widely wand'ring once, oppress'd with grief,
in Eleusina's valley found'st relief,
Discovering Proserpine [Persephone] thy daughter pure
in dread Avernus [Aides], dismal and obscure;
A sacred youth while thro' the world you stray
Bacchus [Dysaulos], attending leader of the way;
The holy marriage of terrestrial Jove [Zeus Khthonios]
relating, while oppress'd with grief you rove;
Come, much invok'd, and to these rites inclin'd,
thy mystic suppliant bless, with fav'ring mind.

credits

released August 20, 2021
Music composed/produced by Kimberly Steele, translations of the ancient hymns by Thomas Taylor

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about

Kimberly Steele Chicago, Illinois

Kimberly Steele (Queenie) is a composer, music teacher, and blogger who lives with her husband in the far west suburbs of Chicago, Illinois.

queeniesongs.net

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