This violin recording of Epithalamium, composed by Carol E.R. Collins, © 2026, is here performed by Casey Bozell, violinist, during the Melody Writing Final Concert 2026. This was part of a class taught by Steve Lewis, composer.

​The term epithalamium originates from the ancient Greek that literally means epi (“upon”) thalamus (“bridal chamber”). It was a song performed by a female chorus that paraded and sang through the streets under the stars to celebrate the marriage of one of the former members of their virginal group. Led by a drummer and an aulete, the chorus eventually arrived at and sang under the window of the newlyweds at the break of dawn to usher them out of their nuptial chambers. I have composed violin music to represent a drumbeat, an aulos, choral singing, parading, dancing, with occasional stars ringing in the heavens. A “wake up” motif runs throughout; and near the end of the piece, you should listen for the brighter star (the sun) at daybreak. I chose the ancient Phrygian Scale, which at a slower tempo has a wistful quality, and at a faster tempo encapsulates a frenetic mood. This range of emotions represents a ceremony in which young women, although they celebrate the wedding of their friend, must reluctantly release this beloved member of their group.