By Delia & Dave Brotherton

Formed in February 2013, Tir ha Tavas, which means “land and language” in the Cornish language Kernewek, is Delia Brotherton, Myrghwyn Melynor and Dave Brotherton, Ilewydh Porthia, bards of Gorsedh Kernow, musicians and singer-songwriters based in St Ives, West Cornwall.

Delia and Dave are familiar figures on the traditional Cornish and Celtic folk scene and originally formed Bagas Porthia and St Ives Guisers in 2008 following a need to provide local musicians and dancers for traditional events such St Ives Feast Day, St Pirans Day and during Christmastide.

Tir ha Tavas grew out of a desire by Delia and Dave to write and perform more of their own original material including songs in the Cornish language Kernewek.  They possess a strong musical chemistry and are inspired by the beauty and majesty of the West Cornwall landscape and the recurring feeling of “hireth” or longing for home, felt very strongly by those who love Cornwall.  Their songs combine a sense of fun and wistfulness reflecting their take on modern Cornish life.

Tir ha Tavas has performed at many events in Cornwall, including

–  St Ives September Festival and Literary Festival

–  Lowender Peran Festival of the Celts

–  Gorsedh Kernow’s Esedhvos Festival of Cornish Culture

–  Federation of Old Cornwall Societies national Winter Festival and individual OCS events

–  summer concerts in local churches

–  Tredegar House Folk Festival

They have also featured on local radio programmes.

Their show “Towl Ros/Cast Net” about Cornish fishing in music and words won a Gorsedh Kernow Creativity Award in 2018.

They represented Cornwall in the traditional song section of the Pan Celtic International Festival 2018, in Letterkenny, Ireland.

They have recorded three CDs;

Bagas Porthia – Cornish and Celtic tunes and songs from their five-piece band Bagas Porthia – see separate entry for Bagas Porthia

Ogh Penndra Vyhan/Oh Little Village – a more intimate collection of songs with Tir ha Tavas, all in Kernewek.

Recorded live at Rozteag, St Ives in August 2013 by Al Twyford.  Produced by Al Twyford and Dave Brotherton.

All musical arrangements by Delia & Dave Brotherton.

 

Tracks

 

• Porthia (St Ives)

Geryow hag ilow gans Delia Brotherton/words and music by Delia Brotherton

 

• Lamorna (Lamorna)

Tradicyonal, trelyans geryow dhe Gernewek gans Ken George/traditional, translation into Cornish by Ken George

 

• Fordh Anwastas/Jowan Knill (Bumpy Road/John Knill)

Ilow gans Delia Brotherton/music by Delia Brotherton

 

• Ogh Penndra Vyhan (Oh Little Village)

Geryow hag ilow gans Delia Brotherton/words and music by Delia Brotherton

 

• Towl Ros (Cast (the) Net)

Geryow hag ilow gans Delia Brotherton/words and music by Delia Brotherton

 

• Bre Worvas/Jakka y’n Gist (Worvas Hill/Jack in the Box)

Ilow gans Dave Brotherton/music by Dave Brotherton

 

• Gwedren Keskar (The Parting Glass)

Ilow tradicyonal, geryow gans Delia Brotherton/music traditional, words by Delia Brotherton

 

• Yn Tre Vaughan (On Vaughan’s Farm)

Geryow ha ilow gans Delia Brotherton/words and music by Delia Brotherton

 

An Viaj/The Journey – a collection of songs mostly written by Delia & Dave in Kernewek and English recorded at Dragon Studio, Penwith in 2018 by Ally Carter and produced by Ally Carter & Dave Brotherton.

 

Tracks

 

Dons, Gwren Ni Dons (Dance, Let’s Dance)

Skrifys gans Myrghwyn Melynor/written by Delia Brotherton

 

Cornwall My Home/Kernow Ow Thre

Skrifys gans Gwas Canoryon/written by Harry Glasson

Trelyans dhe Gernewek gans Matthi Ab Dewi/translation into Cornish by Matthew Clarke

Arrrayans gans Myrghwyn Melynor hag Ilewydh Porthia/arrangement by Delia & Dave Brotherton

 

Kan Kernow Dyvres (Song of a Cornish Exile)

Geryow gans Mordon/words by Robert Morton Nance

Ton gans Myrghwyn Melynor/tune by Delia Brotherton

 

Hevva! (Shoal!)

Skrifys gans Ilewydh Porthia/written by Dave Brotherton

Levow erel Myrghwyn Melynor, Canor Pyscador ha Tricia Thomas/other voices Delia Brotherton, William & Tricia Thomas

 

An Vannhasen (The Prominent Little Seed)

Skrifys gans Myrghwyn Melynor/written by Delia Brotherton

 

Goodnight Cornish Souls

Skrifys gans Ilewydh Porthia/written by Dave Brotherton

 

A Celtic Blessing/Bennath Keltek

Geryow hengovek/traditional words

Ton gans Ilewydh Porthia/tune by Dave Brotherton

 

Kyns An Tewedh (Before the Storm)

Skrifys ha kenys gans Myrghwyn Melynor/written and sung by Delia Brotherton

 

An Viaj Kyttrin (The Bus Journey)

Skrifys gans Myrghwyn Melynor/written by Delia Brotherton

 

Morgan Farwel Lannwedhenek/Padstow Farewell Shanty

Hengovek/Traditional

Trelyans dhe Gernewek gans Myrghwyn Melynor ha bagas an taves Kernewek Pennsans/translation into Cornish by Delia Brotherton and the Penzance Cornish language group

 

“……just to say ‘thank you’ for the wonderful Cornish music and songs, everyone really loved the performance and had a thoroughly wonderful evening.” St Ives Lit Fest.

 

“….beautifully crafted songs in the Cornish language by Delia and with their vocals and super tight harmonies along with Dave’s guitar playing they provide pretty unique entertainment.” Philleigh (Cornwall) Folk Club.

 

“…..Dee and Dave Brotherton have made a wonderful contribution to Cornwall’s musical culture and both are also hard working bards within Gorsedh Kernow.” Federation of Old Cornwall Societies.

 

“….everyone thoroughly enjoyed the evening.  It was so different from anything else we have had for a meeting and was certainly a very refreshing change.  We really enjoyed your choice of songs and loved that you sang some in Cornish – and we did appreciate your translations and explanations!” Gerrans & Porthscatho OCS.

 

If you would like to enquire about Tir ha Tavas please contact Delia or Dave Brotherton on 01736 799305 or email tirhatavas@outlook.com