‘August’ is movement 8 from Twelve Trees – a collection of pieces celebrating trees native to the British Isles by Katy Lavinia Cooper, with words by Catriona Downie.
Planted by James Stuart in the late 18th century, the ‘Dark Hedges of Antrim’ are an avenue of beech trees in Northern Ireland which have frequently been used as a filming location. It is also home to the Grey Lady. Legends abound as to who she might be, but she is often seen on the road. Some say she is James’s daughter, others one of the house maids who died mysteriously, others a spirit from an abandoned graveyard beneath the neighbouring fields. The trees are now considered ’past maturity‘, and with the danger of breakages and damage in high wind presenting a continuing problem, six were felled in November 2023. Of the original 150 trees, around 80 remain.
Twelve trees was commissioned to mark 60 years of Sing for Pleasure and first performed at Summer School 2024. Words by Catriona Downie and music by Katy Lavinia Cooper (O Lux Beata). A collection of twelve pieces celebrating trees native to the British Isles and drawing inspiration from history, folklore and traditional music.
And don’t forget, if you’re a member of SfP you get a 10% discount on all SfP publications, and there’s a further 10% discount for bulk orders (over 30 copies).
Sing for Pleasure Digital Sheet Music is an ideal way to purchase multiple copies of a single arrangement for your choir, and we ask that you purchase enough copies for all members of your choir. Once purchased, you will be sent a download link or can access the PDF file in the orders section of ‘My SfP’.
