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Over the years Robin Hood has been portrayed many times in the cinema and on television.

Each new production brings with it new music to accompany Robin and his Merry Men.

Classic themes

There's the classic Erich Korngold score from the Errol Flynn film. How about "Robin Hood, Robin Hood riding through the glen," from TV's The Adventures of Robin Hood or Clannad's "Robin: The Hooded Man."

More up to date Bryan Adams was number one for ages with "Everything I Do, I Do It For You," from the Kevin Costner movie. And who could forget the Disney film with "Robin Hood and Little John walking through the forest."

Recently we've had the BBC television show with Jonas Armstrong that's introduced a stirring theme from composer Andy Price.

Starting from scratch

So what would be your reaction if you were asked to write a new score for Robin Hood? That's just what happened to composer John Scott. He's written for films like The Shooting Party and Greystoke, The Legend of Tarzan.

Now he's working on a new score for the Douglas Fairbanks silent movie from 1922. It'll premiere at Nottingham's Royal Concert Hall on Sunday 7 October 2007.

"It's over two hours long," says John. "I'd already written for one silent film and it was punishment because the music never stops. It had taken me a long time to compose it (Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde). It was great fun in the end but when I was asked to compose for Robin Hood I initially said "no thank you.""

Douglas Fairbanks stars in the 1922 silent film

Change of heart

John was eventually persuaded otherwise so now comes the pressure of producing something new for the legend.

"There have been some wonderful scores written for Robin Hood and one of the great scores was for the Errol Flynn version. It's the definitive score and I don't want to be compared with its composer, Erich Korngold.

"Happily mine is going a different way and won't be a copy of Korngold."

About John Scott

John's been a composer for more than 30 years. Before that he was a session musician playing the flute and saxophone. He played sax on the James Bond theme to Goldfinger.

However, when a cyst had to be removed from his jaw bone it put an end to his playing career and he began his arranging / composing career.

Your choice

What's the best Robin Hood Theme in the World...Ever? Have your say. Use the vote form on the right hand side of this page.

The concert

The new score to the 1922 Robin Hood silent film will be performed at the Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham on Sunday 7 October, 2007. Ticket details on 0115 989 5555.

John Scott will be conducting the Nottingham Philharmonic Orchestra.