Robin Robin | David Thornton, Ruth Webb, Malta | 2017

Following David Thornton's involvement with another piece of mine in 2016 (Dance where the Spirit Enlightens, a precursor to Surtaal Symphony), Dave suggested I arrange a song for euphonium and piano. This version of Robin Robin led to several different versions including a recording by Steven Mead with brass band, later broadcast on BBC Radio 3, but this is the original.

World premiere at Casino Maltese, Valetta, Malta, 19 April 2017.

Robin, Robin was especially adapted for David Thornton (euphonium) from the song of the same name, originally recorded by Belinda Evans (soprano) with Stephen Marquiss (piano) to help raise funds for Yeovil Hospital’s Flying Colours Appeal.

Words written by Jennifer Henderson trace a robin’s journey through the seasons: Spring – ‘fearless and bold’, Summer – ‘a bird with attitude’ through to Autumn – ‘when other birds fly away, you’re loyal’. The robin’s song can be heard throughout in short interludes on the euphonium, finishing with Winter – ‘what do I care if the ground is hard? I’ll be tweeting my greeting from a Christmas card’.