program notes by composition > G > Greensleeves
Greensleeves
arr. Alfred Reed
Greensleeves is a traditional English folk song and tune dating from the 16th century. The famous Christmas song, "What Child Is This?", combines the melody with lyrics hailing the newborn Christ, "whom angels greet with anthems sweet while shepherds watch are keeping".
Arranger Alfred Reed (1921-2005) was born in New York City. Acquainted with symphonic and operatic repertoire from an early age, he played trumpet professionally in the Catskills while still in high school. During WWII he was a member of the 529th Army Air Corps Band where he produced over 100 compositions and arrangements. He studied at Juilliard and became a staff composer and arranger with NBC, then ABC. He later conducted the Baylor Symphony Orchestra, worked as a music editor, and taught at the University of Miami for 27 years. He composed over 500 works for band, wind ensemble, orchestra, chorus and various chamber ensembles.
Last updated on July 8, 2013 by Palatine Concert Band