Simple Gifts
by Russell L. Robinson
SSA - Sheet Music

Choral SSA Choir and Piano

SKU: CF.BL1169

Composed by Shaker Tune. Arranged by Russell L. Robinson. 16 pages. Duration 3 minutes. BriLee Music #BL1169. Published by BriLee Music (CF.BL1169).

UPC: 672405010177. Key: F major. English. 18th-Century Shaker tune.

I have always loved the "simplicity" of the Shaker tune Simple Gifts written in 1848 by "Elder" Jacob Brackett in the Alfred, Maine "Shaker Village." Aaron Copland made it very popular in 1944 when he included it in his ballet, Appalachian Spring. The Shakers were a simple Christian sect in the 1800s, and some Shakers are still practicing their beliefs and lifestyle today, somewhat like the Quakers and Amish sects. The Shakers often danced to their hymns, which we can imagine in the lyric "to turn, turn, will be our delight till by turning, turning we come round right." In this passage, they would "turn" with partners until back to their original place. The Shakers also were known for their carpentry and simple Shaker furniture; the style is still being manufactured today. Originally written in 4/4 time, I chose to write this arrangement for treble voices alternating from 6/8 to 3/4 time, because it gives it a "dance-like" quality and is very easy to feel and perform, especially with the piano accompaniment that solidifies the meter changes and supports the vocals. The altos have the melody while the sopranos support as an accompaniment role in one section. After the notes have been learned, ask yourself the following questions: Are you singing the text clearly and articulately? Are you properly stressing the important syllables and backing off of non-stressed syllables? Are you singing with a sense of energy no matter what the dynamic marking? Are you singing phrases with proper breath support and a sense of "rise and fall" to the phrase? I hope you enjoy this arrangement of this timeless melody and lyrics. Russell Robinson, Arranger   Dr. Russell L. Robinson, Emeritus Professor Music Education at the University of Florida, has made over 300 appearances as a conductor, speaker, consultant and presenter at festivals, workshops, honor choirs, all-state choirs and state, regional, national and international conferences in the US, Europe, Asia, Africa, Central America, South America, Mexico, Canada, the Middle East, and Australia as well as conducting venues, which include: Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, Boston's Symphony Hall, the White House, and Washington's National Cathedral. Dr. Robinson was the 2016 inductee into the Florida Music Educators Association (FMEA) Hall of Fame, and is a past President of FMEA, Associate Dean of the UF College of the Arts, National Collegiate Chair and Choral Adviser for the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). Dr. Robinson is a published author, composer, and arranger with over 500 publications in print, including choral compositions, arrangements, articles, books, and instructional DVD's. His website is: www.RussellRobinson.com.
I have always loved the “simplicity” of the Shaker tune Simple Gifts written in 1848 by “Elder” Jacob Brackett in the Alfred, Maine “Shaker Village.”  Aaron Copland made it very popular in 1944 when he included it in his ballet, Appalachian Spring. The Shakers were a simple Christian sect in the 1800s, and some Shakers are still practicing their beliefs and lifestyle today, somewhat like the Quakers and Amish sects. The Shakers often danced to their hymns, which we can imagine in the lyric “to turn, turn, will be our delight till by turning, turning we come round right.” In this passage, they would “turn” with partners until back to their original place. The Shakers also were known for their carpentry and simple Shaker furniture; the style is still being manufactured today.Originally written in 4/4 time, I chose to write this arrangement for treble voices alternating from 6/8 to 3/4 time, because it gives it a “dance-like” quality and is very easy to feel and perform, especially with the piano accompaniment that solidifies the meter changes and supports the vocals. The altos have the melody while the sopranos support as an accompaniment role in one section.After the notes have been learned, ask yourself the following questions: Are you singing the text clearly and articulately?  Are you properly stressing the important syllables and backing off of non-stressed syllables? Are you singing with a sense of energy no matter what the dynamic marking? Are you singing phrases with proper breath support and a sense of "rise and fall" to the phrase?I hope you enjoy this arrangement of this timeless melody and lyrics.Russell Robinson, Arranger Dr. Russell L. Robinson, Emeritus Professor Music Education at the University of Florida, has made over 300 appearances as a conductor, speaker, consultant and presenter at festivals, workshops, honor choirs, all-state choirs and state, regional, national and international conferences in the US, Europe, Asia, Africa, Central America, South America, Mexico, Canada, the Middle East, and Australia as well as conducting venues, which include: Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, Boston's Symphony Hall, the White House, and Washington's National Cathedral. Dr. Robinson was the 2016 inductee into the Florida Music Educators Association (FMEA) Hall of Fame, and is a past President of FMEA, Associate Dean of the UF College of the Arts, National Collegiate Chair and Choral Adviser for the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). Dr. Robinson is a published author, composer, and arranger with over 500 publications in print, including choral compositions, arrangements, articles, books, and instructional DVD's.  His website is:  www.RussellRobinson.com.