St. Cecilia first appears in literature in a medieval collection of stories about early Christian martyrs who met gruesome deaths; at this stage there is little in her story to suggest a connection with music, but by the mid-fifteenth century she was credited with the invention of the organ and thus adopted as the patron saint of music.
In the early 18th century, Handel, who was moving from Italian opera to English works, was drawn to Dryden's odes. In 1736 he composed "Alexander's Feast, or the Power of Music" for St. Cecilia's Day. In 1739, planning a concert series on November 22, he needed more material. Here therefore quickly composed "Ode for St. Cecilia's Day," which formed the final part of the concert.
Handel completed the Ode in just nine days in September 1739. Despite the short time between composition and premiere, its popularity led to nine revivals during Handel's lifetime. The Ode's arias were published and gained recognition throughout Europe. The main theme of the text is the Pythagorean theory of harmonia mundi, that music was a central force in the creation of the earth.
This so-called "little" St. Cecilia Ode is a musically joyful celebration of the power of music: two festive choruses frame five charming arias, each of which uses a solo instrument for contrasting effect. Handel allows the soloists a great deal of freedom to improvise and display their skills. This is especially true for the organ, which was his favorite instrument.
Inspired by Dryden's poem, Handel depicted various musical effects. The ode begins by depicting chaos transformed into order by the power of music. Handel's word painting is evident in the first chorus, which emphasizes harmony and heavenly tones. The music illustrates the power and character of various instruments, culminating in a grand chorus that imagines the trumpet at the Last Judgment, where "music shall unhitch the heavens." The Ode interweaves classical and Christian imagery, connecting figures such as Jubal, Orpheus, and St. Cecilia in a rich tapestry about the universal influence of music.
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