Down in Yon Forest

Kathleen Blackwell-Plank's arrangement of Down in Yon Forest in D minor includes two different melodies, one from the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina and the other from England. The first tune was collected by John Jacob Niles. The second melody in a relaxed 6/8 meter was collected from Mr. Hall in Castleton in Derbyshire by Ralph Vaughan Williams in 1906 or 1907. The Medieval text was known as the Corpus Christi Carol. The text first appeared in print in the early 16th century in the Commonplace Book of Richard Hill. The poem utilizes imagery of blood and weeping and appears to be about the Passion of Christ. Over the years the text has changed and been adapted for use as a Christmas Carol which foreshadows the crucifixion. My inspiration for this arrangement draws on the title itself. In our time when forests and the habitat of birds are endangered, my focus is on the woodlands. In the face of climate change, each of us can seek to protect land, preserve trees and plant native plants to attract birds and pollinators. This resting heart rate music is appropriate for providing comfort and relaxation. It is my hope that this music and art will open your hearts to the beauty and wonder of nature.