Listen, the trees are whispering celebrates Francesca Caccini (1587 – 1641) an Italian composer and singer of the early Baroque era. Caccini served the Medici Court, and by 1614 was the most highly paid musician. However very little of her music survives. listen, the Trees are Whispering is an expansive work in two parts that responds to one of Caccini’s most pivotal works, entitled La liberazione di Ruggiero dall'isola d'Alcina ("The Liberation of Ruggiero from the island of Alcina). It is the first opera known to be written by a woman and was long considered to be the first Italian opera to be performed outside of Italy.

Listen, the Trees are Whispering takes the form of a large plant. Oak leaves, associated with strength, endurance and longevity are placed at the bottom of the work. The sculpture is inspired by the ‘Chorus of Enchanted Plants’ that appear in Caccini’s opera. The wicked sorceress, who inhabits the island Alcina, has turned her discarded lovers into plants and trees. Melissa another powerful sorceress has arrived to liberate the hero Ruggiero from the island. She defeats Alcina and as she departs the plants and trees return to human form.

TEXT LUCY STRANGER