Pastorale on What Child Is This?

The English folk song melody “Greensleeves” first appeared during the 16th century and has grown in popularity ever since. It is now known predominantly through its pairing with William Chatterton Dix’s text, “What Child Is This.” In this arrangement for chamber orchestra, a slight variation in the tune’s original rhythm is featured as the melody is contrapuntally imitated. The result is a pastoral setting evoking tranquil images of the first Christmas night.