Lemon Tree for SATB and Strings

Abstract

“Small Lemon Tree” is a folk song from Epiros, a small, mountainous province in northwestern Greece. The title, “Small Lemon Tree,” has a symbolic meaning, for as the juice of the lemon is sour, so is the love of the one portrayed in the song. A simple emotional appeal is achieved through the simplest of musical means--a melody of only four pitches, constantly repeated. Greek folk songs are traditionally accompanied by violin, clarinet, and lute.