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/G Major
One of the most famous English melodies, this Renaissance dance tune has been beloved for over 400 years.
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.
"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!
Once you can play Greensleeves confidently, try: