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Portrait of Elder Joseph Brackett Jr., 1797-1882
Arrangement For A New U.S. President!
A new piece by film composer John Williams
titled, "Air and Simple Gifts," was premiered
during the Inauguration Day ceremonies for
U.S. President Barack Obama
on January 20, 2009. For two reviews, click on these links: Anthony Tommasini, New York Times
Watch the performance at the Inauguration ceremony by violinist Itzhak Perlman,
Did you know that "Simple Gifts" was originally written for dancing? Read about the popular Shaker song by clicking on these links:
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Simple Words for a Simple Song
"Simple Gifts" These are the words to the Shaker song:
'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free,
Unfortunately there have been so many errors associated with "Simple Gifts" that it is time, as the song says, "we come round right." 1. The Wrong Words: Many books continue to distribute the wrong information.
For example, in The Big Book of New England Curiosities: "Simple Gifts" is usually identified incorrectly, identifying it as a "Shaker hymn" or as a "work-song-hymn" as at I Hear America Singing. The tune for "Simple Gifts" has been compared to several other music pieces which have a similar opening. One of these is the second movement of Bela Bartok's First Rhapsody for Violin and Orchestra, composed in 1928. Though there are similarities in the opening theme of the Bartok work and the Shaker tune, there are no connections between the two. As with many simple tunes, it is merely a musical coincidence that they sound alike. From the 1940s onward, there have been many arrangements of "Simple Gifts," especially by folksingers like George and Gerry Armstong and Judy Collins. The best known classical arrangements were made by Aaron Copland, whose orchestral settings have been performed all over the world. The best known Copland arrangement is the orchestral variations of "Simple Gifts" in his ballet score, Appalachian Spring, one of the greatest classical works of the 20th century. Copland also arranged the song for solo voice and piano (later orchestrated) in his First Set of Old American Songs.
Another classical arrangement was made by film composer, John Williams, who arranged the Shaker tune in a piece titled, "Air and Simple Gifts," for the Inauguration of President Barack Obama on 20 January 2009. Many authors have failed to identify Elder Joseph Brackett Jr. (1797-1882) as the composer of "Simple Gifts" and also give the wrong date when it was written. The Shakers have long believed that Elder Joseph wrote the song. Some authors have written he wrote the song in 1875, including in Eminent Mainers, by Arthur Douglas Stover, and also in the best-selling CD by the Boston Camerata, Simple Gifts: Shaker Chants and Spirituals. That date of 1875 is incorrect. This is the correct information: Elder Joseph Brackett's "Simple Gifts" is a dance song written in 1848 In an article by Sister R. Mildred Barker in 1967, she mentions Elder Joseph as the composer of this dance song. She had lived her youth at the Alfred Shaker community, and learned that Elder Joseph's song was written there. There is also evidence in Shaker manuscripts that Elder Joseph wrote "Simple Gifts." 6. Which Came First - "Simple Gifts" or "Lord of the Dance"? Some writers and musicians have claimed that the Shaker song was based on another song, "Lord of the Dance." It was actually the other way round. "Lord of the Dance" was based on the Shaker melody, Pass the word along (especially to musicians and journalists)
that "Simple Gifts" was a dance song written by Elder Joseph Brackett and "Lord of the Dance" was a song written by Sydney Carter. Both are wonderful songs and deserve to be credited properly. ++++++++ What's in a Song: Simple Gifts
THE STORY BEHIND "SIMPLE GIFTS"
Have you wondered where this Shaker song came from and You can find out about this beautiful Shaker song in an illustrated e-book written by Roger Lee Hall, a composer and musicologist and one of the foremost authorities on Shaker music. He has researched and written about this Shaker song for over twenty-five years. It was first published as an article in 1980, then in a small booklet in 1987. Later, it was expanded into a larger booklet in 1997. Nine years later, it was expanded into a more extensive monograph as an e-book. Now it has been revised: THE STORY OF 'SIMPLE GIFTS': The revised e-book edition on CD-ROM also contains bonus features:
The following CDs and music collections are available from this web site: "Simple Gifts" song and an exclusive interview with Aaron Copland
Gentle Words: A Shaker Music Sampler
A Guide to Shaker Music - With Music Supplement
An attractive broadside with the words and music to the Shaker song
Elder Joseph Brackett Jr. was born on May 6, 1797 in Cumberland, Maine. He died on July 4, 1882 in New Gloucester, Maine. Listeners and musicians are urged to play or perform "Simple Gifts" on that day to honor Elder Joseph Brackett's popular song. There are a few recommended recordings listed on this page and also at CD Releases. For more information about Joseph Brackett Day,
A variety of arrangements (both vocal and instrumental)
Boston Camerata's CD: Simple Gifts - Shaker Chants and Spirituals -- notes for the CD Gentle Words -- CD with several versions of "Simple Gifts" and the Aaron Copland interview. PineTree Music -- original compositions and arrangements of Shaker tunes. The River of Love -- CD with arrangements of "Simple Gifts" by 20th century composers. Shaker Books and Articles -- books and articles about Shaker music. Shaker Music Arrangements -- some with accompanying CDs. Shaker Music History -- highlights from 1781 to 2001. Shaker Music Lectures and Workshops -- programs available for any audience. Shaker Music Today -- about the Shakers in recent times. Wikipedia -- article about "Simple Gifts." YouTube -- A selection of various arrangements can be found in the "Simple Gifts" group.
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Recommended Books New England Song Series New England Song
Series New England Song
Series New England Song Series New England
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