About the piece
An English song from the 16th century, first registered in 1580. Legend attributes it to Henry VIII, but there is no evidence.
It has a lilting triple rhythm and a melancholy mood, in a minor key.
The arrangement was written by us for Piano Learning; the app also has a ★★ version with chords.
The notes of the melody (right hand)
Notes with a coloured border are longer. The video also shows the left hand.
ACDEFED
BGABC
AAG♯AB
G♯EAC
DEFED
BGABCBAG♯F♯G♯A
How to practise it
- Read the notes above and find the hand position: most of the time the fingers stay on five neighbouring keys.
- The rhythm is long–short, long–short: feel the lilt in three.
- Add the left hand only when the right hand is secure, first at 60% as in the video.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to read music?
No: the notes are written in letters and the video shows which key to press and for how long.
Can I play it with one hand?
Yes, the right-hand melody alone is already recognisable. In the app, if you practise one hand, the app plays the other.