Composer

:

Ralph Vaughan Williams

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Song: Folk Song

Compose Date

:

1911

Average_duration

:

4:30

'Greensleeves' is a traditional English folk song that has been arranged and adapted by many composers over the centuries. However, the most famous arrangement of 'Greensleeves' was composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams in 1934. Vaughan Williams was a British composer who was known for his interest in folk music and his use of traditional melodies in his compositions. Vaughan Williams' arrangement of 'Greensleeves' was first performed on October 11, 1934, by the BBC Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Adrian Boult. The piece is scored for a large orchestra, including strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. The arrangement is in the key of D minor and is in a slow, mournful tempo. The piece is divided into three movements. The first movement is a slow introduction that features the melody of 'Greensleeves' played by the solo violin. The second movement is a set of variations on the melody, with each variation featuring a different section of the orchestra. The variations range from quiet and introspective to loud and bombastic. The third movement is a reprise of the introduction, with the melody played by the solo violin once again. One of the characteristics of Vaughan Williams' arrangement of 'Greensleeves' is his use of orchestration to create a sense of depth and richness. The piece features lush harmonies and complex textures that give the melody a sense of grandeur. Another characteristic of the piece is its use of traditional English folk melodies. Vaughan Williams was known for his interest in folk music, and he often incorporated traditional melodies into his compositions. Overall, Vaughan Williams' arrangement of 'Greensleeves' is a beautiful and haunting piece of music that showcases the composer's skill in orchestration and his love of traditional English folk music. Its premiere in 1934 was a great success, and the piece has since become a staple of the orchestral repertoire.

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