Tom de Haes

The Spiked Wheel

The legends surrounding Saint Catherine of Alexandria, also known as the Great Martyr Saint Catherine, were the source of inspiration for this work. It depicts events surrounding her life in five musical episodes. The first episode presents the Emperor's procession and theme. All is well until a heathen sacrificial ritual is heard in the second movement. After the sacrifice, Catherine and her lyrical, reflective theme make an appearance. A dispute breaks out between Catherine and the Emperor, which can be heard in the heated exchange between their respective themes. Catherine is sentenced to die by the breaking wheel. The voices of angels can be heard in the finale, as Catherine ascends to heaven.