"Simple Gifts"
American Shaker song
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Origin: U.S.A.
Trivia: "Simple Gifts" is a Shaker song composed in 1848 by Elder Joseph Brackett from the Alfred Shaker Village.
The song "Simple Gifts" became widely known when Aaron Copland used its melody to compose the music for Martha Graham's ballet Appalachian Spring.
Aaron Copland (Nov. 14, 1900 - Dec. 2, 1990) was an American composer, and was known as the "Dean of American Composers." Copland's musical style uses open harmonies; people said his music evokes an "American" sound, bringing about imageries of the vast American landscape and pioneering spirit.
Aaron Copland's
"Fanfare for the Common Man"
Aaron Copland conducting his piece "Hoedown" from Rodeo
"Simple Gifts" theme in Appalachian Spring
Extension Activity
Extension Activity
What would you describe as an "American" sound based off of Aaron Copland's style?
What do you imagine when you are listening to his songs? Do any scenery, landscapes, or time periods come to mind?
"Simple Gifts" was performed in many presidential events, including:
"Simple Gifts" was performed in many presidential events, including:
President Reagan's
2nd inauguration
President Clinton's
1st inauguration
President Nixon's
funeral
President Obama's
1st inauguration
A unique quality of American Shaker music is its simplicity, from the notes to when it is performed. Yo-Yo Ma and Alison Krauss's cover of the song is similar to the style of how Shakers would perform it.
Yo-Yo Ma performing "Simple Gifts" on cello during President Obama's first inauguration.
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