Green Willow by Traditional Folk Tune

“Green Willow”

The tracks in this collection are intended to aid practise of the guitar ensemble arrangement of “Green Willow"

Each part is demonstrated as a solo track and also as a solo track with the other parts included quietly in the background. These tracks are at a slower speed.

In addition there is an "All parts together" track to demonstrate the sound of the complete arrangement. This is at the recommended speed marked on the score.

The following notes may be helpful to any ensemble wishing to play “Green Willow”

“Green Willow” is a traditional folk tune and is from the collection of folk tunes made by the esteemed English publisher and bookseller John Playford (born 1623 in Norwich, Norfolk and died 1686). John Playford’s popular and frequently expanded collection of music and dance steps remains the principal source of knowledge of English Country Dance melodies and dance steps.

As it is a more courtly type of folk dance a precise and neat performance is appropriate.

The form of the music is based around the 16 bar folk tune, embellished with links.

Expression marks and dynamics have been added to the score to give variety to the performance. The arrangement is for the whole score to be played once but it could be played more times to suit the performers preferences.

I chose to arrange “Green Willow” as part of a trio of folk tunes to be performed as a suite. The order that they were designed to be played in is as follows:-

1 Ijswals - Dutch folk tune
2 Green Willow - Playford folk tune
3 Fain I would - Playford folk tune


“Green Willow” creates a lively and contrasting mood to the first piece “Ijswals”

“Green Willow” can be played in this suite or as an individual piece, if preferred.

I hope you enjoy playing the arrangement!

Helen 

Musician Helen James is an accomplished guitarist in classical, folk and South American genres. She writes, arranges and records vocal and instrumental music and enjoys folk singing. Helen tutors in her West Country music studio near Bristol.


Artist photo Anna Barclay

helenjames.net