John Knowles Paine

Many Satanists mark today’s seasonal pivot point, feeling simpatico with our splendiferous homeworld’s continuing seasonal cycles. In the Northern Hemisphere, Spring arrives, succeeding Winter’s torpor with a renewed, verdant surging. In the Southern Hemisphere, Autumn soothes after the scorching Summer months. Here in the haunted Hudson Valley, Winter has seemingly, at last, let go. The bulbs have awakened, pushing their way into the stimulating sunlight, delighting us with their vigor. Always such a joy when our garden revivifies! John Knowles Paine (1839-1906) was one of the first American composers to be recognized for his large-scale orchestral compositions. Born in Maine, he settled in Boston to be a part of the Boston Six—a group of prominent composers which included Amy Beach, Arthur Foote, Edward MacDowell, George Chadwick, and Horatio Parker. Paine formed Harvard’s music department and he also served as a guest conductor for the Boston Symphony Orchestra in its first season. Paine’s Symphony No. 2 in A major "In Spring", Op. 34—recently featured in episode 4 of the series The Gilded Age—has a first movement of just under 15 minutes beginning with an Adagio sostenuto - "Departure of Winter" followed by an Allegro ma non troppo - "Awakening of Nature.” Perfect listening for this first day of Spring. I’m sure you’ll enjoy this fine music, crafted by one of America’s earliest symphonists. You can hear the entire symphony here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v488H37WAncM So, may you all seize this glorious day and its enchanting night to celebrate the wonders of Nature, as we all are part of its boundless mysteries. Hail Satan! —Magus Peter H. Gilmore

John Knowles Paine

Exquisite Equinox!

Vox Satanae – Episode 478 – Week of June 29, 2020