This work, commissioned by Barbara and Roy Hall, is the third piece Watkins has written for Mark Padmore following In my craft or sullen art and Three Auden Songs. Comprised of texts by Trumbull Stickney, James Thomson, Elizabeth Bishop and John Clare, the songs run one into the next and are united in their wistful, contemplative soundworld.

• The Melancholy Year (Trumbull Stickney)
• Striving to sing glad songs, I but attain (James Thomson)
• Sonnet (Elizabeth Bishop)
• How Can I Forget (John Clare)