‘February’ is movement 1 from Twelve Trees – a collection of pieces celebrating trees native to the British Isles by Katy Lavinia Cooper, with words by Catriona Downie.
February is the second movement. Believed by the Celts to give strength and protection, alder wood was used to make shields, burned to forge swords, and is so resilient to water it was even used for crannogs – houses built on stilts in lochs. In the 4th century poem ‘Cad Goddeu’ (The Battle of the Trees) the Welsh enchanter Gwydion brings the trees of the forest to life to fight as his army., with the alder at the forefront leading the charge. It is also the tree of Brôn the Blessed, giant and king of Britain in Welsh mythology. Brôn (meaning crow or raven) is said to have ordered that his head be buried at the White Hill, where the Tower of London now stands, to protect Britain even after his death. Some still say that if the Tower’s resident ravens ever leave, the kingdom will fall. Catriona’s text is inspired by the Cywydd Llosgyrnog – a medieval Welsh poetic form. The traditional Scottish ballad ‘The Twa Corbies’ is often sung to the Breton tune ‘An Alarc’h’, which appears in adapted form here.
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.
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