Swinging the Sleeves

What do musicians as diverse as Elvis Presley, André Rieu, Olivia Newton-John, Roy Black, Jethro Tull, James Last and Leonard Cohen have in common? The answer: All of them (and many more) interpreted the old English folk song "Greensleeves". Since the 16th century, the melody by an unknown composer has been a steady favourite in all kinds of musical styles up to rock and jazz. Even Shakespeare mentioned the song in one of his dramas in 1602, and in the 21st century the story of the "green sleeves" has still not been told to its end. In the song’s lyrics, the green sleeves stand for an adored woman whose dress shows said green sleeves.

Stefan Schwalgin presents his own version of the traditional theme with "swinging the sleeves", for most of the arrangement is in swing rhythm - as a jazz waltz and in the related 5/4 time. Dave Brubeck's legendary "Take Five" deliberately echoes in the spectacular trumpet chorus. The fast main section is framed by the "Greensleeves" theme in slow, traditional style. Within the uptempo section, an inserted contrapuntal variation of the theme refers to the time of the song's origin: the Renaissance.

Note: The audio sample is the ensemble version from our series "RUNDELs Pops for Brass", not the concert band version!