Harald Genzmer

Greensleeves GeWV 261

Commissioned by the Schott publishing house, the present variations on the song 'Greensleeves' were written in 2000 by Genzmer who seized on the suggestion to write a cycle of variations on this Old English melody which had often served as a theme for variations in music history, as for example in the famous anonymous cycle 'Greensleeves to a ground' (around 1700). Genzmer keeps the theme simple, yet with great virtuosity and original harmony. All parts are written in a linear fashion. The four variations observe, almost in a classical manner, the principle of increasing differentiation and acceleration of the rhythm. Variation 1 uses crotchets and quavers as well as semiquaver triplets, whereas Variation 2 uses semiquavers throughout and Variation 3 the somewhat faster semiquaver triplets. Variation 4 stays on this fast rhythmic level with semiquavers and semiquaver triplets. A rewarding piece for the 'Jugend musiziert' competition as well as for advanced lessons.