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The Music of Robert Louis Stevenson

Lea Rig

By J.F.M. Russell ©2019

Robert Louis Stevenson began studying the piano and composition at age 36 and learned the penny whistle two years later. He played the flageolet, a version of the whistle equipped with keys, almost until the end of his life. His arrangements and compositions include more than 120 pieces. This site describes his complete works through facsimiles, transcriptions, recordings, quotations and commentary.

"An interesting chapter in his life will be written when all his scattered pieces are brought together, and the musical side of his character unexpectedly revealed to the vast public that knows him now only as the winsome versifier and the accomplished romancer."

Robert Murrell Stevenson in Robert Louis Stevenson's Musical Interests, 1957.

Facsimile:

Transcription:

Recording:

Manuscript Location:

New York Public Library

Robert Louis Stevenson collection of papers, [1873]-[1944] bulk (1881-1917)

Berg Coll MSS Stevenson

Source:

Beauties of Caledonia. Boston: Ditson, 1845:

Significant References in Works of R.L.S.:

None.

Comments:

Stevenson's title is taken from the first line of lyrics. Although the basic melody is the same, he has made quite a few changes from the version in Beauties of Caledonia. It has been transposed to C, the time signature has been altered from 2/4 to 4/4, the rhythm has slight differences, and all the ornaments and repeats have been deleted. Some melody notes are different in measures 3, 4, and 8, and all F#'s have been deleted.

A lea rig is a field left in pasture.