The Lost Words: Spell

Songs
 By
Robert Macfarlane
Folk by the Oak
 The Lost Words: Spell Songs is a 112 page book with 14 track CD
of new works. In 2018 Folk by the Oak Festival commissioned Spell
Songs, a musical companion piece to The Lost Words by author
Robert Macfarlane and artist Jackie Morris; a celebrated `spell book'
rich with poetic rhythms and imagined birdsong that naturally
invited a musical response. Spell Songs gathered together eight
remarkable musicians whose music engages deeply with landscape
and nature, to respond to the creatures, art and language of The Lost
Words. Spell Songs allowed these acclaimed and diverse musicians
to weave together elements of British folk music, Senegalese folk
traditions, and experimental and classical music to create an
inspiring new body of work. In February 2019 Spell Songs enjoyed
standing ovations at sell-out performances at major venues around
the including QEH at the Southbank Centre; shows in 2019 include
Hay Festival, and a prom at the Royal Albert Hall. Here are 14
songs which capture the essence of The Lost Words. Spoken voice,
whispers, accents, dialects, native languages, proverbs, sayings,
birdsong, river chatter and insect hum all increase the intimacy of
the musical world conjured by the songs. Inspired by the words and
art of the original book, each musician brings new imaginings,
embellishments and diversions which are rooted in personal
experience, a deep respect for the natural world, protest at the loss
of nature and language or appreciation for wildness and beauty. Art
inspired music and music inspired art. Jackie Morris immersed
herself in the musical residency where she generously created new
iconesque artwork of each musician and their instruments portrayed
in an unexpected and enchanting way. These new paintings, along
with stunning photography by renowned photographer Elly Lucas,
from the residential gathering, the recording of the album and the
sell-out tour, fill this book with beauty. Writings by Robert, Jackie
and Karine elaborate on the project itself and its eco-musicological
message, further exploring the relationship between art and nature,
music and conservation. There are songs here that would live with
me for the rest of my years, even if I'd had no part in their making.",
Robert Macfarlane
Folk by the Oak

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