Composer

:

Matthew Holmes

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Miscellaneous

Average_duration

:

3:23

"Robin is to the Greenwood Gone" is a choral work composed by Matthew Holmes in 2012. The piece was premiered by the choir of Merton College, Oxford, in the same year. The work is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement, "Robin Hood and the Monk," is a lively and rhythmic setting of the traditional ballad. The choir sings the story of Robin Hood and the Monk, with the melody passed between the different voice parts. The music is full of energy and movement, with the choir imitating the sounds of galloping horses and the clashing of swords. The second movement, "The Greenwood Tree," is a more reflective and melancholic piece. The choir sings a setting of the poem by William Shakespeare, which tells the story of a lover who is separated from his beloved. The music is slow and mournful, with long, flowing phrases and rich harmonies. The final movement, "Robin is to the Greenwood Gone," is a setting of the traditional folk song. The choir sings the story of Robin Hood's death and his burial in the greenwood. The music is somber and mournful, with a sense of finality and loss. The melody is passed between the different voice parts, with the choir building to a powerful climax before fading away to a quiet conclusion. Overall, "Robin is to the Greenwood Gone" is a beautiful and evocative choral work that captures the spirit of the Robin Hood legend. The three movements each have their own distinct characteristics, but together they form a cohesive and powerful whole. The piece is a testament to Matthew Holmes' skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both moving and memorable.

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