1. ODILIA
(Jacob de Haan)
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.