Θελημα: A Tone Testament

Θελημα: A Tone Testament is a chapter from The Equinox Volume 1(8), published in Autumn 1912. The chapter includes a poem by Aleister Crowley, a photograph of Leila Waddell, and a three-page musical score attributed to her—her only known composition. [View it here.]

The photograph was taken by Dover Street Studios, a renowned establishment in Westminster specializing in theatrical portraiture. Notably, Leila appears nude, seated in profile, holding what seems to be an oriental or magical mirror. The meaning of this imagery remains open to interpretation; magic mirrors, rich in symbolism, have long been significant in rituals and spiritual practices.

In February 2019, the Australian OTO hosted "Music, Magick, & the Muse," an event featuring the distinguished violinist Tor Fromyhr performing Leila’s score.

Tor reflected on Leila’s skill as a violinist, remarking that she undoubtedly endured the rigorous demands of the craft, mastering technique and approaching scales with the same diligence as any accomplished performer. "There's no compromising in her as a violinist," he noted.

Regarding the composition, 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 a single piece from a larger suite of improvisations, with this segment chosen for notation. "The piece is harmonically traditional," he added, "reflecting mid-Romantic style—very much in the vein of Wieniawski, but more influenced by Bach and Paganini."

Listen to it here [coming soon].