We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

Ceridwen's Chase

by Soma

/
  • Streaming + Download

    Includes high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more. Paying supporters also get unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app.
    Purchasable with gift card

      name your price

     

about

Layne Redmond, the late American frame drum teacher, developed the variations of a Middle Eastern rhythm Malfuf that the frame drums play on this track. Steve Lacey-Marsden of Soma added English folk tunes to produce this three-part composition. The names of the tunes are: "Lovely Joan", "Bear Dance", and, finally "Nonesuch."

We see this instrumental composition as an illustration of the legend about Welsh Goddess Ceridwen. An old Tale of Taliesin tells a story of Ceridwen swallowing her servant Gwion Bach and then giving birth to him as the poet Taliesin. Before this happy conclusion, Ceridwen and Gwion travel through the elements.

Gwion accidentally had tasted the potion from Ceridwen’s Cauldron, gaining the power to transform himself. First, Gwion turns into a hare. Ceridwen chases him in the form of a hound. Next, Gwion becomes a fish, and Ceridwen pursues him as an otter. Then, Gwion turns into a bird, and Ceridwen – into a hawk to go after him. Finally, Ceridwen turns into a hen in order to swallow Gwion in the form of a grain of corn.

This track features Soma's usual mandola by Steve, frame drums by Sandi and Oxana, and lots of percussion by Andrew, who also did vocalising.

credits

released August 9, 2019

license

tags

about

Soma Calderdale District, UK

A band drawing on ancient and modern traditions from many places

Earth shaking rhythm, exotic harmony, elegant song

Listen to our tracks
– Connections – Between individuals – Traditions – Mind and body – People and earth –

Music to gladden the spirit
... more

contact / help

Contact Soma

Streaming and
Download help

Report this track or account

Soma recommends:

If you like Soma, you may also like: