catalog
INSTRUMENTATION
Full Orchestra Version:
2 Fl (1 Dbl Picc), Ob, EH, 2 Cl, 1 Bs Cl (opt), 2 Bsn
3 Horn, 3 Tpt, 2 Tbn, Bs Tbn, Tuba
Timp, 2 Perc, Hp (opt), Pno, Gtr/Bjo (opt)
Voice, Strings
Chamber Orchestra Version:
Flute, Clarinet, Bassoon
2 Horns, Trumpet
Timpani
Percussion
Piano
Voice
Strings
Orchestra scores and parts available directly from Kevin Robison Music.
Use the contact form to submit an inquiry.
FANTASIA ON APPALACHIAN FOLK SONGS
For Solo Voice
Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, or Piano
Written for American Tenor Roy Cornelius Smith and Symphony of the Mountains, this new work for voice and orchestra evokes the spirit and majesty of the Appalachian region through contemporary settings of three popular folk songs: The Sunny South, Barbara Allen, and Pretty Saro. Read about the history of the piece in the blog.
High praise for Fantasia on Appalachian Folk Songs:
Kevin Robison’s aptly titled Fantasia on Appalachian Folk Songs is exquisitely, intimately crafted from the heart. It takes a true child of Appalachia to remain faithful to source materials while ably expanding these musical ideas for symphony orchestra and soloist.
— Dr. James F. Daugherty
Associate Professor Emeritus, Choral/Vocal Pedagogy
University of Kansas
Fantasia on Appalachian Folk Songs is a masterfully orchestrated composition that encapsulates the essence of Appalachian heritage through its collection of musical songs. Rather than presenting these folk songs in an antiquated or traditional manner, Fantasia offers a fresh and innovative orchestration, balancing intimate moments with grand, soaring orchestral refrains. The orchestral accompaniment is as engaging and intricate as the solo tenor voice, making it a compelling addition to any orchestral program featuring a vocal soloist, celebrating Appalachian culture, or presenting new music.
— Donald W. Sorah
Associate Professor of Music
The University of Virginia’s College at Wise
New
Featured Work
Major Works
Fantasia on
Appalachian Folk Songs
Solo (High) Voice and Orchestra
Written for American Tenor Roy Cornelius Smith and Symphony of the Mountains, this new work for voice and orchestra evokes the spirit and majesty of the Appalachian region through contemporary settings of three popular folk songs: The Sunny South, Barbara Allen, and Pretty Saro. The 10-minute work received its premiere at Lake Chetola in Blowing Rock, NC, on July 19, 2024. Read about the history of the piece in the blog.
Libertad
SATB Chorus and Orchestra
Premiered by Voices of Note (Atlanta) in 2016, Libertad is a four-movement choral/orchestral work with text drawn from the writings of Walt Whitman. Robison's extensive study of Leaves of Grass led him to focus on the Calamus section and its socio-political themes of equality, discourse and identity, and to distilling Whitman's prolific writing to succinct, singable passages. Scored for mixed chorus, string orchestra, percussion, and piano. Read a short interview with Robison about the work in Atlanta Magazine.
Coming Soon: View Complete Catalog
Other Titles
Abridged. Use the contact button at the bottom for additional inquiries.
HOLIDAY MUSIC
AVE MARIA
Traditional text Based on a melody by Caccini
Music by Kevin Robison
TTBB.
Harp or Piano. Opt. Oboe, Percussion
Kevin Robison breathes new life into the well-known setting of this traditional text by composer Giulio Caccini. A simple revelation of the ground bass and melody unfolds into an epic eight-part "Sancta Maria" (a B section with original material by Robison) featuring tight harmonies and suspensions.
CAROL OF THE BELLS
Traditional Ukrainian
Arr. by Kevin Robison
TTBB.
Piano. Opt. Instruments
One of many arrangements over the years by Robison of this carol, this is the most innovative of all. Challenge your chorus with the whole-tone passages that modulate the piece to different keys.
​
REST YOUR HEAD
Traditional American Folk Song
Arr. by Kevin Robison
TTBB.
Piano, Oboe
One of Robison's favorite tunes and an earlier arrangement that still brings the spirit of the holidays to life. Variations on the verses provide for interesting progressive harmonies. The oboe part is optional, but the piece is greatly enhanced by its soaring counter-melodies.
​
JESUS, JESUS REST YOUR HEAD
Traditional American Folk Song
Arr. by Kevin Robison
SATB (Divisi)
a cappella
A more sophisticated SATB version with 8-part divisi, a cappella. Commissioned by the Santa Fe Desert Chorale's final performance under director Dennis Schrock. A challenging piece for solid singers who can navigate sonorous harmonic twists and turns.
​
JOY TO THE WORLD
Text by Issac Watts (secular adaptation by the arranger)
Music by Lowell Mason (attr. Handel)
Arr. by Kevin RobisonTTBB.
Piano and opt. Instruments
One of Robison’s more innovative arrangements. The text has been made secular for this setting that includes an original bridge by the arranger with the text: “No matter how you celebrate or what the reason, it’s time to wipe away the hate. It is the season. There’s love in every human heart. It may be locked away, but open up and we will soon say Peace rules the world…” The progressive harmony arrangement delivers with a stirring and inspiring conclusion. Perfect for ending a holiday concert!
​
NOT IN OUR TOWN
Words and Music by Fred Small
Arr. by Kevin Robison
Featured Soloist, SATB. TTBB.
Piano, Oboe, Opt. Strings
All voicings published by KRM, licensed by Tresona Multimedia.
Robison's most requested arrangement, now available again. This piece tells of real-life events that occurred in the town of Billings, Montana, when white supremacists vandalized the homes of Jewish people who placed menorahs in their windows. The town came together and decided everyone would put a menorah in their window to show solidarity and prevent members of the KKK from being able to distinguish who lived where.
​
THERE IS NO ROSE
Traditional Text
Music by Kevin Robison
Featured Trio, SATB. SSAA. TTBB.
Harp or Piano, Opt. F. Horn, Percussion
The traditional text, most often heard in Britten’s “Ceremony of Carols” is set to new music by Robison in this haunting arrangement that lends itself to a variety of voicings. TTBB chorus with treble trio are heard in this recording. The trio can be comprised of any number of male or female voices, making this a stunning SATB arrangement. The separation of chorus and trio allows for antiphonal possibilities.
​
(WE WISH YOU) A MERRY CHRISTMAS
Traditional English
Arr. by Kevin Robison
TTBB.
a cappella
This arrangement of the traditional tune is short, fun, and to the point, this a cappella setting of the traditional classic is playful and energetic. The perfect encore for a holiday concert.
​
OTHER TITLES
AMA ME FIDELITER!
Traditional Text (Carmina Burana)
Music by Kevin Robison
SATB.
a cappella
This text from Carmina Burana is more romantic than Orff's passionate treatment. Original music by Robison with interesting and accessible harmonies. The latin text adds to the beauty of this expression of long-distance relationships.
​
COME TO ME, MY LOVE
Words by Christina Rosetti
Music by Kevin Robison
SSAA.
Piano. Opt. Vibraphone.
Commissioned by Bella Voce Women's Chorus of Reno, Nevada. Rosetti's famous poem "Echo" is both mysterious and passionate, both of which are expressed in music that is rich in harmony. An optional prelude using Rosetti's text of "Uphill" is also included in the score.
​
IN THE SPACE OF NOW
Words and Music by Kevin Robison
TTBB.
Piano
Commissioned by the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles and inspired by the writings of Eckart Tolle, this original piece expresses the importance of living in the present, wiping away the past, and not depending on the future for happiness. In so doing, judgement is diminished, fear dissipates, and acceptance of all beings emerges. Now.
SABBATH CHILD
Traditional Text.
Music by Kevin Robison.
SATB.
Piano
A popular nursery rhyme designed to teach children the days of the week is set to original music by Robison in this sweet, embracing piece. "But the child that is born on the sabbath day is bonny, and blithe, and good, and gay."
​
BACK TO TOP
​