Kassia (c. 810 – c. 865)
Kassia, also known as Cassia or Kassiani, was born in Constantinople to a wealthy family. Rather than marrying, she chose a monastic life. She founded a convent west of Constantinople and became its first abbess.
Kassia wrote spiritual poetry and hymns, and she is believed to be the earliest woman composer whose music still survives. Her most famous composition is known as the Hymn of Kassia (or the Hymn of Kassiani), which is still sung on Holy Wednesday within the Orthodox Church. The music is a form of solo Byzantine chant but is also sung by choirs in unison. The Greek text is based on Matthew 26:6-16, and for that reason the hymn is also known as the Hymn of the Fallen Woman.
This performance by the Portland-based Cappella Romana includes subtitles of the original Greek text and an English translation.