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Joseph Brackett's "Simple Gifts"
Portrait of Elder Joseph Brackett Jr., 1797-1882
Source:
The Aletheia:Spirit of Truth
by Aurelia G. Mace.
Farmington, Maine:
Press of the Knowlton & McLeary Co.,
1907
News Flash!
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. Some listeners and journalists liked the work and others did not like it much. Here are two reviews:
Anthony Tommasini, New York Times
Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 20 January 2009
Watch the performance at the Inauguration ceremony by violinist Itzhak Perlman,
cellist Yo-Yo Ma, clarinetist Anthony McGill,
and pianist Gabriela Montero,
here on
Did you know that "Simple Gifts" was originally written for dancing?
Read about the popular Shaker song, "Simple Gifts," which John Williams arranged for his piece, by clicking on these links:
Simple Words for a Simple Song
By Roger Hall
Simple Gifts
'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free,
'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.
When true simplicity is gain'd,
To bow and to bend we shan't be asham'd,
To turn, turn will be our delight
'Till by turning, turning we come round right.
These are the words to the best known Shaker song.
Unfortunately there have been so many errors associated with
"Simple Gifts" that it is time "we come round right."
First
Observe that the opening lines of the Shaker song are NOT -- "Tis a gift to be simple, tis a gift to be free." That one word has been changed by various singers and arrangers over the years. The original version is: "Tis the gift to be simple, tis the gift to be free." To the Shakers, that one word makes a big difference! They are talking about the gift from God, not just any gift.
Second
"Simple Gifts" is usually identified incorrectly, such as identifying it as a "Shaker hymn" or as a "work song-hymn" (see Thomas Hampson: I Hear America Singing ). Actually, it's neither a hymn nor a work song. It was written as a religious dance song. Shaker hymns usually have two or more stanzas of text, and Shaker songs have only one stanza. Since "Simple Gifts" has only one stanza, it should be classified as a song. Also, notice the last two lines:
To turn, turn will be our delight
'Till by turning, turning we come round right.
These words are dance instructions. Several Shaker manuscripts identify this tune as
a "Dancing Song" or a "Quick Dance."
Third
The tune for "Simple Gifts" has been compared to several other music pieces, such as the second movement ("Friss") of Bela Bartok's First Rhapsody for violin and orchestra 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.
The only direct connections are the many arrangements of the song, especially the well known variations by Aaron Copland, whose arrangements have been performed all over the world. Probably the best known example is the orchestral variations of "Simple Gifts" in his ballet score, Appalachian Spring, one of the greatest American classical works of the 20th century.
Another version of the Copland arrangement is for band and was performed in 2004 at the 115th Annual Tournament of Roses Parade in California, performed by The Temple City Band. Grand Marshall of that parade was film composer, John Williams, who has recorded Copland's "Variations on a Shaker Melody" with the Boston Pops, and recently he arranged the Shaker tune in a piece titled, "Air and Simple Gifts," for the Inauguration of President Barack Obama on 20 January 2009. This piece can be viewed on YouTube.
Fourth
Many authors have failed to identify Elder Joseph Brackett Jr. 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, as in the book, 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.
Elder Joseph's dance song was written in 1848 at the Shaker community in Alfred, Maine.
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 Shaker community in Alfred, and learned that Elder Joseph's song was written there. There is also evidence in Shaker manuscripts that Elder Joseph wrote "Simple Gifts" (see THE STORY OF SIMPLE GIFTS).
Fifth
Some 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,
with new words and a slightly altered tune by British songwriter Sydney Carter in 1963. This song has become enormously popular as well. As with"Simple Gifts," it is often incorrectly identified.
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 written by Sydney Carter. Both are wonderful songs and deserve to be credited properly.
An attractive colorful broadside on heavy cover stock
is available
for display
or gift-giving.
To order this broadside, go to the
THE STORY BEHIND "SIMPLE GIFTS"
Have you wondered where this Shaker song came from and
who wrote it?
Now you can find out about this beautiful Shaker song in an illustrated eBook on CD-ROM. It was written by Roger Lee Hall, a composer and musicologist and one of the leading authorities on Shaker music. He has researched this song for over twenty-five years.
The eBook includes the evolution of "Simple Gifts," from when it was written to the present day. In addition there are descriptions of how this song was used during the 20th century, including Aaron Copland's vocal arrangement performed at two U.S. Inaugurations: first for President Ronald Reagan in 1985, and then for President Bill Clinton in 1993. The CD-ROM is playable on any computer with Microsoft Word.
An excerpt from the Introduction:
It is remarkable how one simple Shaker tune has gone from total obscurity in the 19th century to become one of the most beloved American religious songs today. Over the past decades, Shaker music has been used in many artistic productions, including those by choreographers Doris Humphrey, Martha Graham, Twyla Tharp, and Tero Saarinen. This is appropriate since dancing was an integral part of Shaker worship. Music also has been of primary importance to the Shakers. Creating songs was as functional to them as building simple furniture.
Included with the CD-ROM are audio files, including exclusive interviews
with Sister Mildred Barker (1897-1990) from the Sabbathday Lake Shaker community in Maine;
and
with composer Aaron Copland (1900-1990) about his arrangements of "Simple Gifts."
Most of the music was performed by Plymouth Church Choir of Shaker Heights, Ohio,
directed by John D. Herr.
List of the audio tracks included on the CD-ROM:
1. Dance Song: "Come Life, Shaker Life" --
Issachar Bates, 1835
2. +Anthem: "Mount Zion" - Issachar Bates, ca. 1815
3. +Ballad Hymn: "Rights of Conscience" --
Issachar Bates, ca. 1810
4. +Millennial Hymn: "Ode to Contentment"--
Richard Pelham/ Issachar Bates, 1835
5. +Song: "While We're Marching" -- North Union, OH, 1847 (ed.
6. +Hymn: "Doxology" -- Oliver C. Hampton, 1856
7. +Vision Song: "A Dream" -- Harvey L. Eades, 1860
8. +Dance Song: "Simple Gifts" -- Joseph Brackett Jr., 1848 [original version]
9. +Pacifist Hymn: "A Prayer for the Captive"--
Cecilia DeVere, 1862
10.
Anthem: "Millennial Praise" -- James G. Russell, 1883
11.
Anthem: "Supplication" -- James G. Russell, 1883
12.
++Humility Song: "Gentle Words"-- Polly M. Rupe, 1867
13.
++Humility Song: "Love is Little"--
South Union, KY, 1834
14. Radio program, Boston, Massachusetts, 1978 (Guest: Roger Hall)
15. Two Shaker Songs: Co-lo-vin and Verdant Groves
16. Radio program continued -- Introduction of Simple Gifts medley:
17. Simple Gifts (arrangement by Bob Beers)
18. Simple Gifts (arrangement by Judy Collins)
19. Simple Gifts (arrangement by Aaron Copland)
20. Interview with Aaron Copland, July 1980
21. Interview with Sister Mildred Barker, December 1980
22. +Hymn: The Shakers -- Richard McNemar, ca. 1810
23. Interview with Eldress Bertha Lindsay, March 1972
24. Eldress Bertha Lindsay's 90th birthday party (Simple Gifts sung)
25. ++Song: We Will All Go Home With You -- Canterbury, NH, 1862
+ = edited by Roger Hall
++ = arranged by Roger HallTHE STORY OF SIMPLE GIFTS:
Joseph Brackett's Shaker Dance Song (2006)
is available exclusively
from this web site.
To order, go to the
Note: The separate CD titled,
SIMPLE GIFTS OF SHAKER MUSIC,
is no longer available, but "Simple Gifts"
in included on the new CD,
Gentle Words - A Shaker Music Sampler
An arrangement of "Simple Gifts" for voice and piano by Roger Hall
is included in the Music Supplement of this book...
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A Guide to Shaker Music - With Music Supplement (6th edition, 2006)
Sponsored by The Tune Lovers Society, each year
there is a birthday commemoration of
the Shaker elder who wrote "Simple Gifts."
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 beautiful song.
There are a few recommended recordings of arrangements listed below on this page
and also at CD Releases.
For more information about Joseph Brackett Day,
look under "May 6" in this popular annual directory:
By Roger Hall
Over the past few decades there have been many arrangements of "Simple Gifts," some good and others not so good. The words to this song have often been misunderstood.
Contrary to today's interpretation by some, Elder Joseph Brackett was not speaking about just living a simple carefree life. Instead, he was expressing the"simple gifts" of the Shaker celibate faith, with their devotion and service to God. The Shakers have always been a deeply religious people.
What follows is a list of recorded arrangements -- the good and the not good ones.
The Good Arrangements
The best known arrangements are those by Aaron Copland : his "Variations on a Shaker Melody" for orchestra, and his arrangement for solo voice and piano (or orchestra) in the set of Old American Songs. These arrangements retain the simplicity and directness of the Shaker song.
A variety of arrangements (vocal and instrumental) can be found at the "Simple Gifts" Group on
NEW!
One of the popular arrangements of the past few decades has been by Bob Chilcott, a former member of the world renowned male singing group, The King's Singers. Chilcott's arrangement is titled "The Gift to be Simple," and may be heard on their Signum CD from the UK:
Chilcott's arrangement of the Shaker dance song is lovely and beautifully performed on the CD. But unfortunately, it is listed as "Trad. American" and not credited to Elder Joseph Brackett. Also included on the CD is another American folk tune, the haunting ballad: "Black is the Color of My True Love's Hair" and several Afro-American spirituals. This CD is a very appealing combination of popular songs -- Randy Newman's beautiful song "When She Loved Me" from TOY STORY 2 is a highlight -- and traditional folk tunes, such as "Greensleeves" and "The Turtle Dove" (which has a melody similar to the Shaker spiritual, "Let Us Sing Praises"). Read more about this world famous male singing group at: www.kingssingers.com
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A very good selection of religious music by composers such as Mozart, Pergolesi and J.S. Bach/Gound, and traditional tunes like the deeply moving Afro-American spiritual "Deep River," the lovely Austrian folk tune, "Still, Still, Still" (arranged by Mack Wilberg); and the popular Swedish hymn, "How Great Thou Art." The Shaker song "Simple Gifts" is correctly identified as being written by Elder Joseph Brackett Jr. The simple arrangement for voice and orchestra was made by Chris Hazell.This is an inspiring collection, beautifully sung by Bryn Terfel, the London Voices, with the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Barry Wordsworth.
To order this recommended CD, click on this link:
Also available is a CD featuring the 5 Browns, a young brother and sister family of pianists...
On track 3 is an arrangement of "Simple Gifts" and "Going Home" by Professor Jeffrey Shumway at Brigham Young University. But it has some misleading information in its credits.
The composers mentioned are Aaron Copland for "Simple Gifts" and Antonin Dvorak for "Going Home." The composers of these songs should be Elder Joseph Brackett and William Arms Fisher.
Copland arranged Elder Joseph's melody in his Appalachian Spring, while Dvorak composed his Largo theme in his Symphony No. 9 (From the New World), but never composed the song titled "Going Home" (or more accurately, "Goin' Home"). Unfortunately, credit was not given to the original composers, Joseph Brackett and William Arms Fisher. This is often the case with record labels that fail to search out the correct information.
Jeffrey Shumway's piano arrangement of these two American songs is a good one, with subtle interweaving of both melodies. The remainder of the CD is devoted to classical piano works, some well known and others less familiar.
To order this CD, click on this link:
Over the past few decades, there have been many attempts made to expand the one verse Shaker song by adding new verses. But none of these attempts to add more verses have reached the same "simple" eloquence of the original 1848 Shaker text by Elder Joseph Brackett. Yet, there are some who have done better by writing their own lyrics for the song.
Probably the best known example is Sydney Carter's 1963 song, "Lord of the Dance."
Another very good effort has been done by UK composer Anthony Wakefield, who has also decided to write his own lyrics and set it to Joseph Brackett's Shaker tune. He calls his new song, "Dream Dance." You can read about it at this link: Anthony Wakefield Music
And now...
The Not Good Arrangements
There have been numerous failed attempts -- those who had added non-Shaker words.
Why add new verses to this one verse Shaker dance song?
These new verses sound more like overly sentimental greeting card messages [see Wikipedia article] rather than expressions of simple faith by Elder Joseph Brackett.
Two examples of added non-Shaker verses are found on CDs featuring the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, under different conductors.
They are listed here and recommended for the other music on the CDs:
Love Is Spoken Here: Songs of Heart and Home
Craig Jessop and Mack Wilberg, conductors
Added words for "Simple Gifts" by David Warner
Songs From America's Heartland
Jerold Ottley, conductor
Added words for "Simple Gifts" by A. Laurence Lyon
Boston Camerata's CD: Simple Gifts - Shaker Chants and Spirituals -- notes for the CD
CD and DVD Releases -- selected list of recordings and DVDs.
PineTree Music -- compositions and arrangements of Shaker tunes.
Shaker Music Collections -- 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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