“What Child Is This?” is an intermediate piano arrangement of the Christmas carol traditionally sung to the tune GREENSLEEVES. This second version, arranged by Polly Bekasova, is written in E minor and 6/8 time, with an Andante tempo marking. The arrangement uses a clear hymn melody, broken accompaniment figures, gentle phrase endings, and a steady rocking pulse that fits the old English tune. Students should focus on keeping the melody expressive, playing the accompaniment evenly, and maintaining the calm 6/8 flow without rushing.

Measures 1–4 introduce the opening phrase of the carol. The right hand carries the melody in long dotted notes, while the left hand adds small broken figures underneath. The fermata near the end of the phrase gives the opening a reflective, singing character.

Measures 5–8 continue the melody with the same gentle texture. The right hand stays clear and simple, while the left hand supports with steady broken patterns. The student should keep the accompaniment soft enough that the melody remains the main focus.

Measures 9–12 complete the first large phrase. The melody continues in the right hand, and the left hand adds a small descending motion near the cadence. This section should feel calm and balanced, with a clear arrival at the end of the phrase.

Measures 13–20 begin a fuller statement of the tune. The left hand becomes more active with regular broken accompaniment figures, while the right hand continues the carol melody above it. This section gives the arrangement more motion while still keeping the same gentle Andante character.

Measures 21–28 continue the middle part of the arrangement. The melody moves through familiar Greensleeves shapes, while the left hand keeps the rocking 6/8 accompaniment steady. The texture is still manageable, but the coordination becomes more important because the hands are moving more continuously.

Measures 29–36 bring the most active part of the arrangement. The right hand uses more moving notes and expressive accidentals, while the left hand continues its broken accompaniment pattern. The music should grow in expression here without becoming too loud or heavy.

Measures 37 to the end form the closing passage. The music settles back into longer notes and a simpler final cadence. The right hand finishes the melody above steady left-hand support, and the arrangement ends quietly and peacefully in E minor.

Interesting fact: “What Child Is This?” uses words by William Chatterton Dix and is traditionally sung to the tune GREENSLEEVES. The older folk melody gives the carol its distinctive minor-key sound, while the Christmas text turns the tune into a reflection on the Christ child.