Greensleeves
- Master 6/8 time in Renaissance style
- Learn the complete Greensleeves melody
- Develop English dance character
About This Piece
Period: English Renaissance (16th century)
Source: Playford's Dancing Master
Difficulty: Early Intermediate
Notes Used: A, B, C, D, E, F#, G, A (high), B (high)
Time Signature: 6/8
Key: E Minor
Fingering Review
Full Dance
One of the most famous English melodies, this Renaissance dance tune has been beloved for over 400 years.
Practice Tips
- 6/8 dance feel: Feel in two - each beat has three eighth notes
- Renaissance character: Play with elegant simplicity
- Dotted rhythms: The dotted quarter notes create the lilting dance quality
- Tempo: Moderate - dance-like but not rushed
Practice Exercises
Practice the Dorian-like scale used in Greensleeves.
Master the iconic opening gesture.
Practice reaching the high B smoothly.
Work on the graceful descent.
Put together the complete opening section.
Historical Context
"Greensleeves" is one of the most famous English tunes, dating from at least the 16th century. It appears in John Playford's "The English Dancing Master" (1651), a hugely influential collection of English country dances. The tune's origins are shrouded in legend - it's sometimes associated with King Henry VIII (though this is likely apocryphal), and it's mentioned in Shakespeare's "The Merry Wives of Windsor" (1597). The melody uses a Dorian-like modal scale, characteristic of Renaissance music, giving it a distinctive character different from later major/minor tonality. "Greensleeves" has been used for countless purposes over the centuries, including as the melody for the Christmas carol "What Child Is This?" The tune's enduring popularity demonstrates the timeless appeal of Renaissance melody. Playing this on the recorder connects you to centuries of musical tradition!
Performance Goal: Play with elegant simplicity and a gentle lilt. The 6/8 meter should flow naturally, and the modal melody should be shaped with subtle dynamics. Imagine this being danced in an Elizabethan hall or country green.
Next Steps
Once you can play Greensleeves confidently, try:
- Adding Renaissance-style ornaments (grace notes, simple divisions)
- Varying repeats with different articulations
- Learning other tunes from Playford's Dancing Master
- Exploring other modal melodies from the Renaissance