Order your copy of the most authoritative book
about this popular Shaker song

©CopC

"Simple Gifts" - Great American Folk Song
by Roger Lee Hall
PineTree Press, 3rd edition, 2023

 

 

"Simple Gifts" has become one of the most popular
American religious folk songs.

But you may ask -- what makes it "great"?

Perhaps it is from the words speaking to many about a yearning for a simpler more fulfilling life as in these opening words from the song:

Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free,
Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be.

It may be also the simple appealing tune of the song which can be sung by any age group - from children to adults.

The song has been arranged by numerous folk singers in the past,
like Judy Collins and Bill Crofut, and also arranged by
classical composers. like Aaron Copland and John Williams.

The song has been widely sung in schools, colleges, churches, concert halls and elsewhere all across the USA and in other countries as well.

The appeal of it as a Great American Folk Song was demonstrated in arrangements of the Shaker song performed at three different Inaugurations held in Washington. D.C.:

President Ronald Reagan in 1985
President Bill Clinton in 1993
President Barack Obama in 2007

The Music Educators National Conference has named "Simple Gifts" as a song that "everyone should know."

You can read the full story in the book written by Roger Lee Hall,
an ethnomusicologist and the foremost authority on this Shaker song.
He wrote the first article about the Shaker song in 1980 which is included in the book.

In addition to the biographical profile of Elder Joseph Brackett, who wrote the Shaker song, you will learn how the original Shaker song was discovered in the 20th century and how it spread worldwide.

The author had in-person interviews with two key persons who were responsible for making "Simple Gifts" more widely known:

--Sister R. Mildred Barker (1897-1990) of the Shaker community at Sabbathday Lake, Maine who once lived in the same Shaker community
where Elder Joseph Brackett composed "Simple Gifts." She wrote the first article which identified him as the composer of this Shaker song.

--Aaron Copland (1900-1990), the composer who first arranged the "Simple Gifts" tune in his award-winning ballet score, Appalachian Spring (1944),
and also his vocal version in Old American Songs (1950).

Included in the book is a letter received from British songwriter,
Sydney Carter (1915-2004), who based his popular song,
"Lord of the Dance," on the Shaker tune and wrote his own words.

The end of the book contains an extensive bibliography and discography with 40 representative recordings of "Simple Gifts."

Chapter Titles:

1. From England to America              
2. Songs of the Gospel Parents
3. The Dance Song
4. The Gift Song 
5. The Songwriter: Elder Joseph Brackett
6. Two Songs by Elder Joseph: "Simple Gifts" and "The True Vine" 
7. Time Line and Chronology
8. A Conversation with Sister R. Mildred Barker
9. Aaron Copland and "Simple Gifts"
10. Sydney Carter's "Lord of the Dance"
11. The Selling of "Simple Gifts"
12. Searching for a Simpler Life      

                                                                              

                   

 

This title is playable on any CD reader
for computer or other device but not on a DVD player.
It includes the complete pdf book (3rd edition), several research articles,
gallery of pictures, plus bonus audio and concert videos of the Shaker song.

 

The CD--ROM is available exclusively here for $19.95 (USA orders only).

If ordering this CD-ROM from any country other than the USA, please click the "Quantity" button 2 times for total $39.90. Your CD-ROM will be sent by Overseas Air Mail.

Your order will be processed through Safe and Secure PayPal payable to PineTree Productions, owner of PineTree Press.

Click the "Add to Cart" button below to pay directly:

 

 

 

y© PineTree Press Broadside Music Sheetrig

"Simple Gifts - A Shaker Song Revisited" (AMRC CD 0033)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Illustrated Shaker Music Program

 

Would you like to schedule Roger Lee Hall to speak
to your group about the "Simple Gifts" song?

In his illustrated talk (available online or in person) he will tell how "Simple Gifts" was written and its impact on popular culture,
including excerpts from interviews he conducted with
Sister Mildred Barker from the Sabbathday Lake Shaker community,
and American classical composer, Aaron Copland.

To contact him for scheduling and speaker fee, click this link:

Music Program

To read more about Mr. Hall's Shaker music programs
and publications --
click here

 

 

 

 

 

 

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