William Sweeney: The Tree o' Licht [download]

Piece for two cellos (2008). 'Commissioned by the RSAMD for Stringfest 2008 and in memory of my mother, Jean Sweeney (1916-2007).'

"There's mair in birds than men ha'e faddomed yet.

Tho' maist churn oot the stock sangs o'their kind

There's aiblins genius here and there; and aince

'Mang whitebeams, hollies, siller birks -

- The tree o' licht -

I mind

I used to hear a blackie mony a niche

Singin' awa t'an unconscionable 'oor

Wi' nocht but the water keepin't company....."

from: By Wauchopeside, by Hugh MacDiarmid