Aaron Copland Meets The Shakers
by Roger Hall
In 1974, composer Aaron Copland (1900-1990) was in Cleveland, Ohio for a week-long celebration of his music, including concerts with the Cleveland Orchestra.
Copland was also given a key to the city of Cleveland. He exclaimed:
"I've never been given such an honor before, even from my hometown of Brooklyn!"
It so happened that at the same time three Shakers from Sabbathday Lake, Maine were in nearby Shaker Heights for a workshop session.
Through a lot of scurrying around and last minute arrangements, I was able to introduce Copland for the first and only time to the Shakers. They had a brief chat and then Copland autographed a copy of his vocal arrangment of "Simple Gifts" for Shaker sisters,
R. Mildred Barker and Frances Carr.
Copland' s autographed score and an interview with him appears in this eBook:-
The Story of Simple Gifts
This photo was taken as Aaron Copland met Sister R. Mildred Barker on
9 November 1974 in Shaker Heights, Ohio...
(Photo by Gail Hall)
A CDR is available which includes his discussion of his "Simple Gifts" arrangements in
A Conversation with Aaron Copland
See also
Shaker Music Today
Recordings
There are many worthwhile versions of Copland's Appalachian Spring, which includes the variations on "Simple Gifts."
Here is one recommended CD of the original ballet score
conducted by Michael Tilson Thomas:
Appalachian Spring, Billy the Kid, Rodeo
Information about the television series hosted by Michael Tilson Thomas featuring
"Copland and the American Sound" is at this link:
Keeping Score
This CD has just the Suite but it is one of the most popular recordings,
conducted by Copland's longtime friend, Leonard Bernstein:
Copland: Appalachian Spring Suite and other works
These are three recommended CDs with Copland conducting:
A Copland Celebration Vol. 1 - Appalachian Spring (original chamber version) & other works -- original complete ballet version, including the "Simple Gifts" variations.
A Copland Celebration Vol. 2 - Old American Songs & other works -- includes an arrangement of "Simple Gifts" for voice and piano
in Old American Songs with
William Warfied, baritone and Aaron Copland, piano
A Copland Celebration Vol. 3 - Old American Songs & other works -- orchestral arrangement of "Simple Gifts" sung by William Warfield (the distinguished baritone known for his role in Porgy & Bess
and the MGM movie musical, SHOWBOAT)
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