EXETER WASSAIL, 2021
Arranged in 2018/19 by Emma Welton from music by Tim Hill. Original lyrics by James Crowden adapted by Emma Welton, James Banyard, Anne-Marie Culhane & Jo Salter. Exeter Wassail commissioned by Anne-Marie Culhane for Singing For Trees, 2015.
Get in touch if you have any questions or want to practice over the phone!
- Wassail wassail the apple tree X4
Come young and old, and brave and bold To light the dark and chase the cold. The orchard knows a thing or two x2 - Wassail wassail the apple tree x4 The Exe flows by from Moor to sea From mill to weir with orchard lea. The orchard knows a thing or two x2
- Wassail wassail the apple tree X4 Our trees they come from far and near Feeding the bees for many a year. The orchard knows a thing or two x2
- Wassail wassail the apple tree x4 Seasons askew, the patterns change Drought and deluge, sunshine and rain. The orchard knows a thing or two x2
- Wassail wassail the apple tree X4 For cherry and quince we all will care
Mulberry, medlar, almond and pear. The orchard knows a thing or two x2 (or more…)
Sound file 1: melody + quiet harmony; Sound file 2: tune + harmony; Sound file 3 harmony; Sound File 4: chants for dancing.
Exeter Wassail 2021 – Full Music Score
New dance from Ezuko Hall in Japan to Exeter Wassail
to be danced while singing the Wassail!
1. root care – pass hand in circles, caringly, low over the ground (on knees, or bending low)
2. rain – point outstretched and splayed fingers in a downwards motion towards the ground – angled like rain
3. grow – turn hands over and repeatedly lift them up, encouraging trees to grow
4. wake up – surprise the trees and each with sudden hand claps, looking into each other’s eyes
5. strengthen – do bum-bumps to help develop trunk strength and sturdiness.
