Twin Song	
Music: Derek Nisbet Lyrics: Peter Cann
What does it mean to be a twin? 
Twin Song is a specially composed symphonic poem for the 70th birthday of the twinning between Coventry, UK & Volgograd (formerly Stalingrad), Russia. Created by Talking Birds - composer Derek Nisbet and writer Peter Cann - working with pupils from Southfields and Aldermoor Farm Schools. Performed at Coventry Catheral by members of the Volgograd Children's Symphony Orchestra and Coventry Youth Wind Orchestra, conducted by Yuri Ilynov.

Funded by Coventry City Council's Small Arts Grant scheme. 
www.talkingbirds.co.uk   twitter: @birdmail #TwinSong

Part 1 - I Am Coventry - performed by Volgograd ensemble
Part 2 - Motherland Calling  - performed by Coventry ensemble
Part 3 - Twin Cities - performed by both ensembles

Singers: Louise Wayman & Sam Fox
Voice of Mother Russia: Victoria Agache 

(Salon version with piano played by Derek Nisbet)

Lyrics by Peter Cann:
1st Movement  - I am Coventry
I am the bicycle,
wheels are turning.
Turn
from Godiva riding naked down the street.
Turn 
on the table,  let them feel the two tone beat.
I am the bicycle,
wheels are turning.
Turn
to the three tall spires stretching for the sky
Sky Blues  
where  are you? Oh Ricoh, Ricoh why?
I am the bicycle,
wheels are turning 
Turn
I am the bicycle
Wheels are turning 
Jets are burning
Lathes are spinning
Casting
Forging
Clocks and watches
Engines 
motors
Tractors
Turbines
Armour
Weapons.

Clocks and watches
Engines 
motors
Tractors
Turbines
Armour
Weapons.

2nd Movement: Motherland calling.

Mother Russia-		
Oh my children,
Through the smoke that burns my eyes
I watch you stumble,
Fingers clawing through the stone
of the wounded city
Oh my children.

Mother Russia		Oh the mothers
Singers					Oh the mothers
Mother Russia		Oh the mothers
Singers			From the smoke that burns their eyes
Mother Russia				from the smoke that burns their eyes
Singers			they turn their faces.
Mother Russia				they turn their faces.
Singers			Hands are reaching from the stone
Mother Russia				Hands are reaching from the stone
Singers			of the wounded city
Mother Russia				of the wounded city
Mother Russia		And the mothers
Singers					And the mothers
Mother Russia		And the mothers
Singers			Turn their faces
Mother Russia				Turn their faces
Singers			 Towards the ocean 
Mother Russia				Across the ocean
Singers			2000 miles
Mother Russia				Their eyes are meeting
Singers			2000 miles
Mother Russia				Their eyes are meeting
Singers			2000 miles
Singers			Their eyes are meeting.

3rd movement: The Twin Cities
Coventry
Volgograd
Coventry
Volgograd
Coventry
Volgograd

1.
Unseen fingers trace the stitches,
names of strangers.
Unheard voices try the sound of
names of strangers.

2.
In ravaged cities
connected cities
across the distance
across the decades.

3. 
Unseen fingers trace the stitches
names of strangers.
			Unseen fingers trace the stitches, names of strangers.
Unheard voices try the sound of
names of strangers.

4.
In changing cities			
connected cities
across the distance
across the decades.

5.
In spite of walls and politicians
a bond unbroken
In spite of difference and suspicion
a bond unbroken.

6.
In changing cities
connected cities
across the distance
across the decades.

7.
Now a chill wind is ruffling the borders.
Now a chill wind is ruffling the borders.

8.
Better to be twins
Than be cold 
to each other

Better to be twins
Than be cold 
to each other.

Better to be twins
			Better to be twins
Than be cold 
			Than be cold 
to each other
			to each other

9. 
Coventry
			Coventry

Volgograd
			Volgograd

Coventry
			Coventry

Volgograd
			Volgograd

Coventry
Volgograd


Twin Song

Composer & Sound Designer specialising in music for unusual situations* with renowned theatre experimentalists Talking Birds. 

Writer of intergalactic operas and musical epics for Orchestra of the Swan (Space Odyssey, Troy Story, Ant & Cleo - The Musical!), the Volgograd Children's Symphony Orchestra (Twin Song) and creator of songs for and with young people (eg the Frank Whittle Songbook, The Auctioneer's Anthem). 

As heard on BBC Radio 3 & 4 and in venues from the Queen Elizabeth Hall, London to the Palladium, Malmö, to the Cultch, Vancouver.

*(eg Cattle Markets, decommissioned hospitals, Tightrope Walks between church spires)

Twin Song

Derek Nisbet

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