Robin Adair arranged for SATB choir (sung, transposed down in this video, by the one-man multitrack choir dwsChorale) ---- The score (for SATB) can be obtained at http://www.myscorestore.com/product/view/id/2924/robin-adair.html ----- [Note: a few textual errors have crept into the performance - but the score has the correct words] The original tune was composed with the words Eibhlin a Ruin (Ellen Aroon or Eileen Aroon) by the Irish bard Carroll O'Daly (14th Century), although it was later attributed to the 18th century Irish composer Charles Coffey (this was presumably an arrangement of the original). The words of "Robin Adair" itself are understood to be by Lady Caroline Keppel, who was in love with a surgeon by that name. (This seems more likely than the theory that Robert Burns wrote it, although Burns certainly knew Keppel's lyrics and made his own parodies upon the words). Some later versions of the melody contain "Scotch snaps" but this version follows the simplest melodic line, without the Scotch snaps - possibly O'Daly's original tune? - and with quite romantic choral harmonies. What's this dull town to me? Robin's not near; What was't I wish'd to see? What wish'd to hear? Where all the joy and mirth, Made this town heav'n on earth, Oh! they've all fled wi' thee, Robin Adair. What made th' assembly shine? Robin Adair. What made the ball so fine? Robin was there. And when the play was o'er, What made my heart so sore? Oh! it was parting with, Robin Adair. But now thou'rt cold to me, Robin Adair. And I no more shall see, Robin Adair. Yet he I lov'd so well, Still in my heart shall dwell, Oh! I can ne'er forget, Robin Adair. Images: Various paintings of ladies waiting (for their belovèd perhaps) by: Monet, Adalbert Edelfelt, Degas, Carolus Duran and Chase William Merritt