Listen to selections from Horniman volunteers that evoke the many ways they experience the Horniman Gardens.
These pieces, chosen by Horniman volunteers, irrespective of their specific roles, respond to the wider theme of ‘Gardens’.
The sheer variety of their selections reflect the spirit, diversity and insights of the whole volunteer cohort, when they start thinking ‘outside the box’ of buildings and collections that often define museums.
Listen to the playlist
Read their reasons
Summertime by George Gershwin, performed by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong
A classic
Living Mice by C418
Minecraft, the game soundtrack which contains this song (and other favourites), holds a special place in my heart alongside those of my generation, and those both younger and older. These songs can bring a sense of peace one may have while relaxing in a garden, or a sense of adventure from exploring the outside.
Flight of the Bumblebee by Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov
I remember hearing this as a child and wondering at how well the music evoked its subject. Also, how clever and skilled the players must be!
Let It Grow by Eric Clapton
To me [this song] conjures up the patience required to be a good gardener, waiting for things to blossom and flower. Sadly, not something that happens in my own garden - a place where plants go to die!
Love Builds a Garden by Elton John
I have loved this song since I first watched Gnomeo and Juliet.
Mein kleiner grüner Kaktus
(My Little Green Cactus)
The song is about a cactus. I like that it has a funky beat to it and it is a pretty funny song.
Octopus’s Garden by The Beatles
I visited Liverpool last Autumn and went to John Lennon’s and Paul McCartney's houses and many other interesting places. The song is written by Ringo Starr and is about octopuses travelling along the seabed picking up things to build a garden. I'm old enough to remember songs by The Beatles being released. It was a great time for music!
Blackbird by Fat Freddy’s Drop
I love this track because we regularly have blackbirds in our garden and their song reminds me of my childhood. The lyric "where there was one before, Now there are many" interested me when I found out that blackbirds were introduced to New Zealand (where Fat Freddy's Drop are from) by European settlers, so they had a familiar sound that reminded them of home.
Caroline Shaw & Attaca Quartet by Orange
This album has several suitable pieces, but a composition student specifically recommended 'The Orangery' as it inspired him to write his own piece. It has five short movements called ‘Plan & Elevation: I, II, III IV and V’.
Flower Duet from Lakmé by Léo Delibes
An obvious choice!
Can’t Catch Me Now by Olivia Rodrigo
I chose this song because it has a nature theme in the lyrics. Example "But I'm in the trees, I'm in the breeze".
From the Ummagumma Album by Pink Floyd, The Grand Vizier’s Garden Party, Part I: Entrance, Part III: Exit, Several Species of Small Furry Animals Gathered Together in a Cave and Grooving with a Pict
The Ummagumma album by Pink Floyd is great for the nature vibe
The Lark Ascending by Ralph Vaughan Williams
As soon as I hear this song it transports me to a beautiful country garden. When you know the title, you can imagine the birds flitting with the music.
Diamond Day by Vashti Bunyan
I often listen to the radio while gardening and a few months ago I listened to a very interesting programme on Vashti Bunyan. I find her music very calming, and I like to listen while I'm watering the plants.
The Flower Garden by Joe Hisaishi
I like the music from Studio Ghibli films and nature is an important element in many of these films, and people's relation to nature - living in harmony with nature or not.
Dr Wind in Dub by Jungle
I would say it's short, catchy and green - if there was ever a socially aware band it's Dub Garden.
Simply the Best by Tina Turner
I chose this song because the Horniman gardens are simply the best!
I beg your pardon, I never promised you a rose garden by Lyn Anderson
This song has great twinging Hawaiian guitar and reminds the listener that life is not a bed of roses!
English Country Garden
A traditional rendition of the popular children’s song is followed immediately by a version orchestrated by the 20th century composer, Percy Grainger who had a special interest in English folk music.
We have memories of singing this song in primary school!
Lovin’ You by Minnie Riperton
I like this song because it has birdsong in the background, so it makes me think of a garden.
Gymnopédie No.1 by Erik Satie
Followed immediately by a version of Gymnopédie No. 2 with birdsong
The first time I heard this I was dozing off after a big Sunday lunch. I thought the bird sounded so lovely.
Join us in the Music Gallery on Tuesday afternoons for Hey Jukebox! where we will be playing these songs from 3.30pm.