Jacob de Haan

Odilia

Odilia is an up-tempo and joyful ode to Baume-les-Dames, a village in the department of Doubs in Franche-Comté, Eastern France. The title is derived from the legend of Odilia of Alsace (venerated as Saint Odilia, or Odile), the daughter of the Duke of Alsace. She was born blind, and literally saw the light at the age of twelve at the convent of Baume-les-Dames. From this miraculous occurrence, she was dubbed Odilia - child of light. Jacob de Haan was inspired by medieval dance music for the opening of this composition. In the slow movement that follows, a lyrical minor theme builds to a dramatic climax, which is followed by a calm passage featuring the repeated lyrical theme. Finally, the medieval motif returns, this time presented in a festive gospel version.