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Greensleeves
An English tune from the 16th century in a minor key, with a gentle three-beat lilt: the verse and the “Greensleeves” chorus. Small melismas on “love”, “wrong” and “off”.
An English tune from the 16th century, registered in 1580. It lilts in six-eight time, felt as a gentle three, at 84 beats per minute in the app. The range is an octave and a minor third, from a fifth below the root to a minor seventh above it. The mode is minor with Dorian color, a major sixth on “love” and a raised seventh at the cadences. Several syllables carry two-note melismas.
How to do it
- Wait for the two count-in clicks. The piano plays the opening phrase alone, then plays along with you.
- Sing the verse “Alas, my love, you do me wrong,” one syllable per note, with a gentle lilt.
- On the two-note melismas, such as “love” and “wrong,” keep the vowel open and move smoothly.
- Start the chorus on the minor seventh and hold it for a dotted beat before descending.
- Breathe at the ends of the phrases, not in the middle.
Coach's tip: Sing the two-note syllables smoothly, as one gesture. The chorus starts high on “Green-” – take a breath before it and don’t push.
What to watch out for
The melismas smear. The two notes turn into a slide and both go yellow, so sing two clear pitches first, then smooth the join. The chorus opens on the highest note, held for a dotted beat, and it's easy to push; start it softly and let it bloom. The raised seventh at cadences tends to go flat, so aim slightly high. Keep the lilt of three, not a march. Stop if you strain.
Who it's for
Level 2, for singers who are comfortable with simple songs and want a longer legato line in minor. Warm up with Legato line on one breath, and follow with Long note 10 s to steady your breath. No program lists it. The daily training brings it up more often with the Folk / country style.
Opens the app in your browser. Free to start, no account needed. Put on headphones first.
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