On Mon, 22 Dec 2008 02:22:26 -0800, Allen Esterson wrote in response to: >Michael Sylvester asked: >>Did the song Greensleeves first emerge as a Christmas carol? > >No - as the words make clear:
It seems to me that Michael Sylvester often asks questions under the assumption that those he asks will be able to read his mind and consequently he can be unclear, leave out clarifying info, or make expressive dysfluencies that will be corrected by the listener. There may be nefarious intentions (i.e., throwing out badly formed questions in order to agitate/annoy/toy with those who read his posts) but being that this is a season when we try to foster joy and goodwill to all (as well as having aging hippies get their biannual haircut) I will not engage in speculation. But back to the matter at hand: I think that Michael Sylvester is thinking about the hymn "What Child Is This" which was set to the music of Greensleeves in the 19th century. For more of this story, see Wikipedia's account (standard disclaimers apply): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/What_Child_Is_This%3F One version of the hymn is provided: 1. What Child is this who, laid to rest, On Mary's lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet While shepherds watch are keeping? This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing; Haste, haste, to bring Him laud, The Babe, the Son of Mary! 2. Why lies He in such mean estate Where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christian, fear, for sinners here The silent Word is pleading. Nails, spear shall pierce him through, The Cross be borne for me, for you; Hail, hail the Word made flesh, The Babe, the Son of Mary! 3. So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh; Come peasant, king to own Him. The King of kings salvation brings; Let loving hearts enthrone Him. Raise, raise, the song on high, The virgin sings her lullaby; Joy, joy, for Christ is born, The Babe, the Son of Mary! - Lutheran Service Book On the other hand, the English traditional Greensleeves dates back to the 16th century and the Wikipedia entry for it (blah etc) point out that it has a varied history, including being referenced in Shakespeares's "The Merry Wives of Windsor". See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greensleeves Interesting factoids provided in the Wikipedia entry: (1) It appears that "Lady Green Sleeves" which is referred to in the original lyrics might have been a prostitute. What a wonderfully subversive issue to mull over while listening to the Lutheran hymn. (2) Quoting the Wikipedia: |"Turandot (Busoni)" Act 2 Scene 1 opens with the tune, |which Busoni thought sounded Chinese. Quoting many drunks everywhere: "I'll have what he's drinking." -Mike Palij New York University [email protected] --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly ([email protected])
