Orphic Hymn to Hecate

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 is an amalgam of three vocal takes.

lyrics

Hecate of the Roads, lovely dame,
Of Earthly, watery, and celestial frame,
Sepulchral in saffron veil arrayed
Pleased with dark ghosts
Who wander through the shade
Persian huntress, world’s key bearer we hail

On the rough rock to wander thee delights
Leader and nurse, be present to our rites
Propitious grant our just desires success
Accept our homage and the incense bless
Guide our fortunes, gift us with your grace

Daughter of Perses, mistress of silence
Goddess of moon and clairvoyance
Wanderer of the wilds, ever leading
Dogs and deer, and tides receding
Please hear our prayers, help us to be wise

credits

released August 9, 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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