Simple Gifts came to the conscience of American music educators in 1944, when
Aaron Copland composed a set of variations for his ballet and
orchestral suite, Appalachian Spring.
This "Shaker Dancing Worship Song" is a choral arrangement written to fit the early adolescent changing voices.
The refrain is a modest two-or three-part
contrapuntal presentation (the adolescent baritone part is present but optional). This work provides a window into America's religious history and into American religous-folk music. Search Roger Lee Hall for indepth information.
Access the two-part and three-part variable voicing chart to see the options that are
available. It is published in the three-part version only, which can be
sung as a two-part setting, if desired.
Text has been attributed to Shaker Elder Joseph Brackett, Jr.,
1848
Music:
Shaker tradition --Dancing Worship Song
Two- and Three-part Variable
Voicing with Piano
Arranger: Gwyneth Cooper
CP Catalog #T978116
This work is available in E-Print.
Please remember the copyright law.
It is illegal to purchase a single oactavo, then photocopy it.
Order hard-copy scores from your favorite music distributor, J.S.Pepper, Inc. or directly from Cambatia Press.
