Brigid Of Kildare

Brigid of Kildare is a two movement work based on the life of Saint Brigid, one of the patron saints of Ireland. According to tradition, she founded a monastery in Kildare under a large oak tree on the site where a shrine to the Celtic goddess Brigid stood. The sessile oak is now the national tree of Ireland. Movement I: The Oak Tree, paints a picture of a majestic tree with deep roots and soaring branches that grant shade and protection to those who need it. Brigid's feast day is February 1st, which was originally a pre-christian festival called Imbolc, marking the beginning of spring. Processions, festivals, feasts, and dancing were all a part of the celebration and continue to this day in many areas. Brigid represents the light half of the year, ushering in the brightness of spring out of winter's darkness. Movement II: Spring, incorporates feelings of joy at the returning light and new life of springtime.