Between the Lines: "Under the Greenwood Tree" by Ruth Morris Gray

Under the Greenwood Tree by Ruth Morris Gray is an accompanied contemporary madrigal with a lighthearted lilt. This sprightly setting capitalizes on the energy of Shakespeare's witty words from As You Like It . Repeated phrases and rhythmic motives are fun from start to finish.

Ruth Morris Gray is an active music teacher, composer, arranger, choral conductor, and pianist. She is Chair of the Music Department at Rosemead High School in Rosemead, California, where she directs four choirs and teaches AP Music Theory and Piano. She has also been involved in directing adults and children of all ages in church music for over twenty-five years. Ruth received her B.M. in Piano Performance and Composition from Biola University in 1983. She continued her studies in composition at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she earned her M.A. degree in Music Composition. In 2004, Ruth received her single subject teaching credential in Music from California State University, Northridge. Ruth lives with her husband Doug and their three children in Southern California.

What inspired you to write Under the Greenwood Tree?

I am always inspired by outstanding texts and Shakespeare is one of my favorite writers. He's clever, playful, witty, and insightful. When students sing texts by Shakespeare, it's a great cross-curricular opportunity for them to sing literature they learn in English classes.

What teaching suggestions do you have to share for Under the Greenwood Tree?

This piece has three contrasting sections. The opening section, "Under the greenwood tree," should be playful and bouncy. I like to have my singers pretend they are double dribbling a basketball on the beats while they sing to create this bouncy effect. Be sure to keep the jaw dropped on the "uh" in the word "under" so that the vowel stays beautiful. The second section ("Who doth ambition shun") is lyrical. Have the singers pretend they are painting the musical line with a paint brush to help create a lovely lyrical line. The third section ("no enemy") is lyrical but more dramatic than the second section. Have the singers build on each "no enemy" phrase to create a crescendo. When repeating, singers should start softer again and build even more than the first time. In general, try to make the most of dynamic contrasts in the piece to highlight the playfulness of the text.

What message do you have for singers learning this piece?

Speak the text before you sing the song to understand the sounds and cadences of the text. Note the repetition of words in the musical setting of the text. This Shakespeare text is from the play, As You Like It . Read Act 2 of the play to find out the context of this song. Who performs this song in the play and why? I hope you enjoy learning and performing this piece!