Composer

:

Percy Grainger

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

1912

Publication Date

:

1912

Average_duration

:

5:01

'My Robin is to the Greenwood Gone' is a song for flute, English horn, and strings composed by Percy Grainger in 1901. The piece is based on a traditional English folk song of the same name, which tells the story of a robin who leaves his mate to seek adventure in the greenwood. The composition is divided into three movements, each of which explores a different aspect of the folk song. The first movement, marked "With tender melancholy," features a solo flute playing the melody of the folk song in a slow and mournful manner. The English horn then takes over the melody, accompanied by the strings, creating a haunting and melancholic atmosphere. The second movement, marked "With sprightly grace," is a lively and playful variation of the folk song. The flute and English horn take turns playing the melody, accompanied by the strings, creating a joyful and energetic mood. The final movement, marked "With tender melancholy," returns to the slow and mournful mood of the first movement. The flute and English horn play the melody together, accompanied by the strings, creating a sense of longing and sadness. One of the characteristics of Grainger's composition is his use of folk melodies and his interest in preserving traditional music. He often incorporated folk songs into his compositions, giving them new life and introducing them to a wider audience. Another characteristic of the piece is Grainger's use of instrumentation. The combination of flute, English horn, and strings creates a unique and haunting sound, perfectly suited to the melancholic and nostalgic mood of the piece. 'My Robin is to the Greenwood Gone' premiered in 1902 at a concert in London, where it was well-received by audiences and critics alike. The piece has since become a staple of the flute and English horn repertoire, and is considered one of Grainger's most popular compositions.

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