Today, on Saint Cecilia’s Day, we celebrate both the patron saint of music and the life of Benjamin Britten, who was born on this very day in 1913. To mark this occasion, Britten’s Hymn to Saint Cecilia (1942) stands as a fitting tribute to the saint and to the power of music itself. Composed during the early years of World War II, the work reflects Britten’s deep connection to music as a source of hope and resilience in times of hardship.
The piece sets a poem by W.H. Auden, a close friend and frequent collaborator, which portrays Saint Cecilia not only as a figure of devotion but also as a symbol of musical inspiration. The Hymn is structured in eight movements, each exploring different aspects of music’s divine and human qualities. Britten’s music ranges from lyrical and contemplative to joyous and triumphant, capturing the full emotional depth of Auden’s text.
For Britten, who shared his birthday with Saint Cecilia, the Hymn is a celebration of music’s ability to transcend the difficulties of the world and uplift the human spirit. On this day, Hymn to Saint Cecilia reminds us of the timeless and transformative power of music, just as it continues to inspire musicians and listeners alike.
Here is a delightful performance by VOCES8; enjoy!
The post St Cecilia’s Day today (22nd November) appeared first on The Classical Source.
