Thelema: A Tone Testament

Thelema: A Tone Testament is a chapter from The Equinox Volume 1(8) publication published in Autumn 1912. [The word Thelema is written in Greek in this volume].

The chapter features a poem by Aleister Crowley, a photograph of Leila Waddell and a three-page score of music, attributed to Leila Waddell, her only known work. View it here.

The photograph was taken by the Dover Street Photographic Studios, a renowned establishment in the City of Westminster specializing in theatrical portraiture. Notably, Leila appears nude, is seated in profile, and holds what seems to be an oriental or magical mirror. The intended meaning of this imagery remains open to interpretation, as magic mirrors, rich in symbolism, were significant objects in various rituals and spiritual practices.

In February 2019, the Australian OTO held an event, "Music, Magick, & the Muse" which featured the distinguished violinist, Tor Fromyhr playing Leila's score.

Tor remarked that Leila had undoubtedly endured the rigorous demands of a violinist, mastering technique and dedicating herself to scales with the same diligence as any accomplished performer. "There's no compromising in her as a violinist," he noted.

Regarding her composition, however, Tor observed, "I couldn't find a clear purpose for the piece or why it might have been written, unless it was part of an event involving extensive improvisation within fairly standard tonalities." He speculated that it was likely one piece from a larger suite of improvisations, with this segment chosen for notation. "The piece is harmonically traditional," he added. "It reflects mid-Romantic style—very much in the vein of Wieniawski, but more influenced by Bach and Paganini."

Listen to it here (coming soon).