What Child Is This ? (Greensleeves)

Grade Level 2

Year: 2001

Type: Christmas

Composer: James Curnow

Program Notes:

The tune for this Christmas hymn, “Greensleeves”, sung long before its words were written, is English folk song can be traced back as far as the 1500’s.  Shakespeare even mentioned it in one of his plays.  William C. Dix (1837-1898) was an Anglican layman, born in Bristol, England.  He settled in Glasgow, Scotland, where he became a successful insurance salesman. It was through a long illness and while he was confined to bed that he met God in a personal way. His spiritual experience led to the composition of this hymn and many others.  This lovely text is originally part of a longer Christmas poem called “The Manger Throne.”  The words mesh with the lilting melody to present a beautiful picture of baby Jesus in the manger.

American Instrumental Ensemble Series (AIES/ABES)