Date:
Late 15th century
Description:
Ah Robin, Gentle Robin is a secular English part-song attributed to William Cornysh. It reflects themes of love and emotional longing, possibly addressed to a friend or confidant. The piece is written in a lyrical, homophonic style typical of the period.
Discussion:
This song appears in the Fayrfax Manuscript, a key source of Tudor-era music. The text, “Ah, Robin, gentle Robin, tell me how thy leman doth,” suggests a tone of conversation or lament. While the exact identity of “Robin” is unclear, the piece is notable for its expressive simplicity and gentle melodic contour. It’s often studied for its accessible harmony and elegant phrasing.
Composer:
William Cornysh (c. 1465–1523)
Arranged by:
Various modern choral editors; some editions for recorder consort and voice also exist.
Sheet Music:
Available in early music collections such as The Oxford Book of Tudor Anthems or from the Choral Public Domain Library (CPDL).
The arrangement we use is available here as a pdf, mus or musescore file
Parts:
Typically three parts: Superius (Soprano), Contratenor (Alto/Tenor), Tenor.
Some editions adapt it for SAT or SATB.
Type:
Secular Part-song / Madrigal
Language:
Middle English
Ranges:
- Superius: D4 – G5
- Contratenor: A3 – D5
- Tenor: F3 – B4
(Ranges vary depending on arrangement and voice allocation.)
Advice for beginners:
Focus on clarity of text and even phrasing. The rhythm is straightforward, but tuning in three-part harmony requires careful listening and balance. Begin with a slow tempo to emphasize blend and phrasing. This is an excellent introduction to Renaissance vocal music.
Sound Files:
Here are some sound files for reference. All parts, soprano, alto 1, alto 2