Robert Hughes

woodwind quintet: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn

Composed originally in 1953, these tunes appeal to children and adults alike. They are especially popular with music-in-the-schools programs and have been embellished over the years with new bits of narrative and whistling by the performers.

Whistling Tune was recorded by the Bellavente Wind Quintet and released in 2010. The CD received a Parents Choice Award from the Parents’ Choice Foundation (Bellavente #MCFROG).

Three Cowboy Songs

1. Cowboy’s Lament – A cowboy, dying in the streets of Loredo, Texas, calls to the people around him and asks them to listen to his story. He proudly tells them of his childhood days, his careless loves, and his gambling. His last wish is to be buried by gamblers and pretty girls.

2. Nightherder’s Song – The song of a night herder is heard in the dark and lonely prairie night. The cowboy sings to keep awake and to quiet the nervous dogs.

3. Whistling Tune – A lazy cowboy on a lonely street passes the time whistling tunes.

--Bob Hughes