“What Child Is This?” is a Christmas carol with lyrics written by William Chatterton Dix in 1865. The lyrics are set to the tune of the traditional English folk song “Greensleeves.” The carol focuses on the birth of Jesus Christ and reflects on the significance of His arrival.
To play “What Child Is This” on the piano, a pianist should be familiar with various techniques such as legato, staccato, dynamic expression, and phrasing. The piece requires a delicate touch to convey the subtleties of the melody and a keen sense of timing to bring out the nuances of the harmonies. The use of pedal is also crucial to achieve the desired resonance and sustain.
The original version of “What Child Is This” can be considered at an intermediate level of difficulty. Pianists with a solid foundation in basic piano techniques, finger dexterity, and an understanding of musical phrasing will find this piece accessible. While it may present some challenges, such as coordinating the melody with the accompanying chords, an intermediate pianist can gradually build the necessary skills to master the piece with practice and dedication.
