Traditional :: Greensleeves

Musicians Publications presents 'Greensleeves' arranged for flute choir plus by Bill Holcombe and Bill Holcombe Jr. Scored for 4 C flutes, alto flute, and bass flute with optional parts for bassoon, bass clarinet, or cello to replace the bass flute if necessary, this arrangement is advanced in difficutly.

It is generally agreed that the melody we know as Greensleeves is probably the second oldest piece of secular music in our Western culture, its origins having been traced back to about 1360. While we are not certain this was the original title, it is known that in the latter 14th century, English ladies wore gowns with great billowing sleeves, and the lyrics that have come down to us speak of a lover's lament over his lady's cruel treatment of him by a lady clad in a dress of green sleeves.

By the time of William Shakespeare, this song had already become a classic and he made use of it in two of his plays, most notably in the Merry Wives of Windsor . Over 300 years later, the English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams used this melody as an intermezzo between two acts of his opera Sir John in Love', which was based on the same play. Since then the tune has been adapted as the basis for at least one Christmas carol ( What Child Is This? ), several popular songs, and even by the Swingle Singers on one of their albums. In addition, it has been performed instrumentally by groups of all sizes and styles from full symphony orchestra to small jazz and rock groups. - windrep.org