Composer

:

Anonymous

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Song: Lute Song

Compose Date

:

1600

Average_duration

:

3:37

'Greensleeves' is a traditional English folk song that has been attributed to an anonymous composer. The exact date of its composition is unknown, but it is believed to have been written in the late 16th century. The song has been popular for centuries and has been performed by countless musicians and singers. The song is believed to have been written as a love ballad, with the lyrics telling the story of a man who is in love with a woman who is playing hard to get. The melody is simple and haunting, with a distinctive minor key that gives the song a melancholy feel. 'Greensleeves' has been arranged and performed in many different styles over the years, but the most famous version is the one that was arranged for solo lute by the English composer and lutenist John Dowland in the early 17th century. This version is divided into several movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is slow and mournful, with the melody played in a low register on the lute. The second movement is faster and more lively, with the melody played in a higher register. The third movement is a variation on the first, with the melody played in a higher register and with more ornamentation. The final movement is a variation on the second, with the melody played in a higher register and with more complex ornamentation. This movement is often played at a faster tempo than the others, and it is the most virtuosic of the four. Overall, 'Greensleeves' is a beautiful and haunting piece of music that has stood the test of time. Its simple melody and melancholy feel have made it a favorite of musicians and audiences alike, and it continues to be performed and enjoyed to this day.

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