The Lost Words: Spell Songs
Product ID: 173775660
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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 Review: Absolutely lovely, heartbreaking, and nourishing. - I was already familiar with Spell Songs when I bought this -- I mostly wanted it for the text and art, but it's nice to have a cd of the music as well (although I can see why some reviewers had issues with missing cds -- the disc is just in a cardboard insert at the front of the book, and the book is not sealed in any way, so I can see how it might easily slip out -- fortunately, mine was included). Fair warning, there were two listings for this -- one as a book and one as an audio cd. I bought the book, which included the cd, and as far as I can tell, they are the same product (the book listing was less expensive, though). This is a lovely, complete piece of art that speaks to the heart, composed by a group of people who care deeply about nature and the earth. Absolutely lovely, heartbreaking, and nourishing. Review: Beautiful, Beautiful Books - This author has created 3 books in this series, along with a wonderfully artistic music CD.....If you are a lover of nature...and enjoy informational and beautifully written books....this series of books is a Must Have for any Library of Children's Books....Absolutely beautiful...I may like these even more than the kids in our family, I never tire of the prose of these beautifully bound and illustrated books....I would say these are geared for 10 and up...but, the music can be appreciated by all ages...and if read out loud and showing them all the intricate things in the illustrations the younger kids always appreciate them....these books are just a bit too beautiful for the younger kids to handle a lot...if you a pristine book person like me...you would not want little hands handling these...but, would want to read them to the little ones until they are old enough to handle their books with care...these are such works of art.
| Best Sellers Rank | #630,463 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #357 in Folk & Traditional Music (Books) #361 in Photography Collections & Exhibitions (Books) #450 in Landscape Painting |
| Customer Reviews | 4.6 out of 5 stars 393 Reviews |
T**D
Absolutely lovely, heartbreaking, and nourishing.
I was already familiar with Spell Songs when I bought this -- I mostly wanted it for the text and art, but it's nice to have a cd of the music as well (although I can see why some reviewers had issues with missing cds -- the disc is just in a cardboard insert at the front of the book, and the book is not sealed in any way, so I can see how it might easily slip out -- fortunately, mine was included). Fair warning, there were two listings for this -- one as a book and one as an audio cd. I bought the book, which included the cd, and as far as I can tell, they are the same product (the book listing was less expensive, though). This is a lovely, complete piece of art that speaks to the heart, composed by a group of people who care deeply about nature and the earth. Absolutely lovely, heartbreaking, and nourishing.
K**R
Beautiful, Beautiful Books
This author has created 3 books in this series, along with a wonderfully artistic music CD.....If you are a lover of nature...and enjoy informational and beautifully written books....this series of books is a Must Have for any Library of Children's Books....Absolutely beautiful...I may like these even more than the kids in our family, I never tire of the prose of these beautifully bound and illustrated books....I would say these are geared for 10 and up...but, the music can be appreciated by all ages...and if read out loud and showing them all the intricate things in the illustrations the younger kids always appreciate them....these books are just a bit too beautiful for the younger kids to handle a lot...if you a pristine book person like me...you would not want little hands handling these...but, would want to read them to the little ones until they are old enough to handle their books with care...these are such works of art.
M**M
Master Musicians
So many of these songs are marvels of creation. The lyrics are innovative and the music flows so beautifully. The whole CD is mindful of our interconnected world.
L**.
Beautiful illustrations and high production value
Love the book. It transports me to a place of peace and beauty. It's hard to put down.
D**D
Such a powerfully inspired and exception collaboration
Absolutely beautiful songs and exquisite musicianship. Like precious pearls, each one. Haunting, mesmerizing, then cheering and uplifting. After many dozens of listening, it is a clear favorite. Makes my heart ache, and sing.
E**R
beautiful
Absolutely beautiful. Plan on gifting this
M**C
Wonderful
Beautiful and inspiring. Very fast delivery from UK...
M**L
All that gleam is not
Is an interesting concept, well-done book printing though no dust jacket to protect the exterior. I ordered this book thinking i could return free based on “Prime” common practice. Not so.. the cost to me to return turned out to be a whopping $123.00 usd.
M**S
Wonderful music in a fantastic book package
"The Lost Words: Spell Songs" is nothing short of amazing. The book gives insight into the group of outstanding musicians and the songs on the album, with the bonus of all the lyrics to the songs, a few new poems and of course incredible artwork. I've read the1,2 and 3 star reviews and suggest you treat them with the contempt they deserve ... someone called it "narcissistic nonsense" (only Narcissist there is that particular reviewer), another complains that it "isn't pure folk" (presumably he only like singers in Arran jumpers with their finger firmly in their ear). Trust me, the book is informative and beautifully illustrated and the music (please take time to sit listen and digest it properly) will blow you away. Money very well spent. Buy and enjoy .
M**E
Beautiful Songs performed brilliantly
Whether you like Folk Music, beautiful books, great artistes performing wonderful songs, and a fantastically presented product, The Lost Words has it all. This has been superbly recorded where talented and renowned artistes have come together to put great poems to music. In reality this product should cost four times the price. I have bought several copies to give away as presents. I am an audiophile and play folk guitar at home. So every time I listen to this recording I always enjoy it. It reeks of happiness and bold spirited performances. We are all enjoying ourselves. This is truly great.
Z**Y
Excellent
I don't usually buy CDs but this is beautifully crafted inside a hardback book with some beautiful artwork that accompanies the music. The music is fantastic from the off. A gem of a product
L**N
Spell Songs
Great book which was delivered speedily and efficiently.
S**R
AMAZING
The music is as beautiful as the nature it describes. A fabulous companion to the book, The Lost Words. Let's not lose any more words - we need to keep the childlike culture of nature games, rhymes and activities, and the common, picturesque names of common flowers and animals alive. One more generation on, and they may be lost forever. Meanwhile we have this beautiful album and its accompanying words to help us remember!
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