The form of the piece also allows for the musician to add their own Improvisation, and for the performance I saw, Anna would constantly strum wrought all the strings scale in a descending and ascending manner in order to portray the dynamics and pure elegance of the harp. Therefore, “Greensville” is a prominent and classic composition for its historic eminence, it’s simple, yet influential form, and most Importantly, It’s soothing, captivating, and Iconic rhythm.
Many musical pieces we listen to today follow a repetitive verse and chorus form, which is actually the main form that is used in the piece “Greensville”. Coming from the Renaissance period, where singing was prominent and instrumentation was barely soused on, using this simple and memorable progression Is actually common for many pieces during this time. More specifically, the piece Is played In “romances form”, which is a form most popular during the Early Baroque Period and revolves around four chords serving as the repeating bass supporting a main melody.
In addition, “Greensville” Is also provided with emotional lyrics about the “unrequited love” Henry the VIII had for Anne Blenny after she rejected him, which helps portray the message and essence of the composition at a more engaging perspective. The piece is introduced with the first verse of the piece and we start to understand the form as the supporting chords are played with the left hand and the plucking of the melody Is played with the right hand The chords and melody are played in an adagio tempo and are antiphonal to each other as the chords play first following by the melody.
These musical elements demonstrates the sorrow mood of the piece as Henry expresses his feelings after being left “discourteously” by the love of his life. The chorus Is then played with the chords and melody working more cohesively and sounding more uplifting as they change key in order to show that the love Henry has for his “joy”, “delight”, and “heart of gold” remains true and positive (0:43-1:15). The second verse then changes dramatically as the chords transition to a high, minor key and are played In fast, separate notes rather than Just as a strum.
At this point, the drama and dynamics of the harp shows how Henry Is 1 OFF Anne. The chorus is repeated (1:52-2:26) as the key goes back to major and tempo back to adagio, further maintaining the recurring somber theme of the piece. The hired verse goes back to original key and tempo as the first verse, bringing down the drama of the piece in order to show Henry hopelessly and mournfully “praying to Sod” for the love of Anne. (2:27-3:03).