‘June’ is movement 6 from Twelve Trees – a collection of pieces celebrating trees native to the British Isles by Katy Lavinia Cooper, with words by Catriona Downie.
This ancient pine at the top of Doon Hill near Aberfoyle in Scotland is said to be a door to the land of the fairies. In the 1 7th century, a minister named Robert Kirk became fascinated by the tree and was often to be found pacing the hillside beside it. He wrote a book, ‘The Secret Commonwealth’, detailing the habits of the elves and fairies he believed lived there. His body was found beside the tree and local folk said he had been spirited away in punishment for revealing the Wee Folk’s secrets. Others say his soul is trapped in the tree itself. It was said that a man could be freed from the fairies’ grasp with cold iron, or if his ghost was seen walking at a christening, he might also escape. To this day, people tie ribbons to the tree to make a wish.
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’.
