Sir Robin's Song
Brass Ensemble - Digital Sheet Music

Brass Ensemble - Level 4 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.948764

Composed by Neil Innes. Arranged by Warren J. Wernick. Contemporary. Score and parts. 12 pages. Warren J Wernick #5718941. Published by Warren J Wernick (A0.948764).

In 1986 my brass quintet did a gig at the Cloisters in New York City for their Medieval Festival (could have been a Rennaisance festival, or a combination of both, I can't remember). Not having much music from the Medieval period to choose from and play (Gregorian Chant didn't really work well with the modern Brass Quintet), I painstakingly transcribed Sir Robins Song (The Tale of Sir Robin) from Monty Python and the Holy Grail from the LP or the original soundtrack. Back in 1986, that was quite a task - what with the primitive technology available to me, and having to actually use a pencil and manuscript paper (gasp). In short, during the movie Sir Robin travels through a forest with his favorite minstrels. The vocal one sings of Robin's bravery and describes in graphic detail the various ordeals that Robin is prepared to face. Just as the minstrel is about to sing of the gory treatment Robin genitals could withstand, Robin gracefully orders them silent. They immediately encounter a three-headed giant (Terry Jones, Graham Chapman, and Michael Palin). The giant interrogates Robin, who wishes to discreetly downplay his significance, but his minstrel sings of Robin's identity and credentials. One of the heads wishes to cut Robin's head off, but the heads immediately descend into bickering about each others' lifestyles and various things completely unrelated to Robin. When they finally agree on their next course of action, they see that Robin is no longer available. Sir Robin has continued on the quest, and his minstrel sings a song that absurdly describes his lord's brave cowardice, over Robin's objections. Today, there are many arrangements of this tune to choose from, however, mine is as close to the original as possible.