1977
Variations of Greek Themes
Composed by 
Frank Lewin
Frank Lewin Text by 
Edwin Arlington Robinson
Edwin Arlington Robinson Song Collection
This cycle of songs from the poems of Edwin Arlington Robinson is for contralto (or mezzo-soprano), flute, viola, harp, and piano. It was commissioned by The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, and received its first performance on November 20, 1977, at Alice Tully Hall, with Maureen Forrester as soloist; it is dedicated to Frank E. Taplin, Jr.
Publisher: Parga Music, contact miriamlewin@lavinegroup.com
About
Variations of Greek Themes, Edwin Arlington Robinson’s collection of twelve poems based on texts by ancient authors, was published in 1915. Eight of the poems are set in this cycle. An instrumental interlude is inserted between the fourth and fifth songs.
The music incorporates several elements associated with Greek music, both ancient and contemporary: 7/8 and 5/8 meters, modal and exotic scales, the use of portamento and quarter steps, and quotations from two traditional melodies.
Songs
A Happy Man1977 · Variations of Greek ThemesFrank LewinEdwin Arlington RobinsonA Mighty Runner1977 · Variations of Greek ThemesFrank LewinEdwin Arlington RobinsonDoricha1977 · Variations of Greek ThemesFrank LewinEdwin Arlington RobinsonEutychides1977 · Variations of Greek ThemesFrank LewinEdwin Arlington RobinsonThe Dust of Timas1977 · Variations of Greek ThemesFrank LewinEdwin Arlington RobinsonThe Old Story1977 · Variations of Greek ThemesFrank LewinEdwin Arlington RobinsonTo-Morrow1977 · Variations of Greek ThemesFrank LewinEdwin Arlington RobinsonAn Inscription by the SeaVariations of Greek ThemesFrank LewinEdwin Arlington Robinson
Audio
“A Happy Man” (from “Variations of Greek Themes”)
Elaine Valby (mezzo-soprano), Jayn Rosenfled (flute), Brett Deubner (viola), Elzabeth Panzer (harp) & Elizabeth De Felice (piano)2:48
“A Mighty Runner” (from “Variations of Greek Themes”)
Elaine Valby (mezzo-soprano), Jayn Rosenfled (flute), Brett Deubner (viola), Elzabeth Panzer (harp) & Elizabeth De Felice (piano)1:26
“An Inscription by the Sea” (from “Variations of Greek Themes”)
Elaine Valby (mezzo-soprano), Jayn Rosenfled (flute), Brett Deubner (viola), Elzabeth Panzer (harp) & Elizabeth De Felice (piano)3:52
“Doricha” (from “Variations of Greek Themes”)
Elaine Valby (mezzo-soprano), Jayn Rosenfled (flute), Brett Deubner (viola), Elzabeth Panzer (harp) & Elizabeth De Felice (piano)5:47
“Eutychides” (from “Variations of Greek Themes”)
Elaine Valby (mezzo-soprano), Jayn Rosenfled (flute), Brett Deubner (viola), Elzabeth Panzer (harp) & Elizabeth De Felice (piano)3:35
“The Dust of Timas” (from “Variations of Greek Themes”)
Elaine Valby (mezzo-soprano), Jayn Rosenfled (flute), Brett Deubner (viola), Elzabeth Panzer (harp) & Elizabeth De Felice (piano)3:05
“The Old Story” (from “Variations of Greek Themes”)
Elaine Valby (mezzo-soprano), Jayn Rosenfled (flute), Brett Deubner (viola), Elzabeth Panzer (harp) & Elizabeth De Felice (piano)2:54
“To-Morrow” (from “Variations of Greek Themes”)
Elaine Valby (mezzo-soprano), Jayn Rosenfled (flute), Brett Deubner (viola), Elzabeth Panzer (harp) & Elizabeth De Felice (piano)1:25