New classical music in Cornish language set to be premiered

Arlodhes a Shalott has been created over the past year by Falmouth-based composer, Matthew Thomason, with lyrics based on Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s Arthurian poem, The Lady of Shalott.

The poem has been translated into Cornish by Elizabeth Ellis.

The work takes the form of a song cycle: a collection of eight Romantic era classical songs sung in Cornish by soprano Elizabeth Freeborn, accompanied by Kath Buckler on cello and the composer himself on piano.

Matthew said: “I am a big admirer of the Romantic composers such as Schubert, Schumann, Liszt and Mahler, and the song cycle is such a succinct and accessible way to tell a story.”

The composer was inspired to use Cornish in this work due to the Arthurian legends rooted in Cornwall.

He said: “Cultural assets and reference points are essential for Kernewek to be consumed, heard, and most importantly felt by people.

“So with Arlodhes a Shalott, I wanted to create a living, breathing and deeply emotional cultural artefact that allows the language to be ‘experienced’ in a way that only music can conjure.”

The inspiration for the work came when the composer saw an exhibition of Pre-Raphaelite art at Falmouth Art Gallery.

There were three paintings depicting the Lady of Shalott from Tennyson’s poem, and these images captured the imagination of Matthew, who felt an overwhelming sense that he had to write music about her story.

Work began on Arlodhes a Shalott at the Endelienta Arts Cornish Language Residency last July, where Matthew spent a week in St Endellion in North Cornwall developing his creative practice in Cornish and learning some of the language.

Over the next ten months, Matthew and Elizabeth worked together, with support from Hall for Cornwall, to complete the song cycle.

Further information about the performances and how to buy tickets can be found at matthewthomasonmusic.co.uk.

Arlodhes a Shalott will be performed at various venues in Cornwall in June, including The Poly, Falmouth on June 6, 7.30pm and Helston on June 7, 7.30pm.

The tour is set to culminate with a performance at St Endellion Church on July 19, exactly a year after the first verses were previewed there.

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