Simple Gifts: SATB: Vocal Score

Old American Songs I-In 1944 a famous dancer Martha Graham commissioned Copland to write a ballet called Appalachian Spring. For part of the ballet he used his own variations on a Shaker song called 'Simple Gifts.'

A Thanksgiving classic from Don Besig and Nancy Price is now available for smaller SAB choirs. “Simple Thanks” has been a harvest time favorite for years and this new voicing makes the popular anthem even moreaccessible. Incorporating the favorite hymn “Simple Gifts ” this memorable easily learned seasonal offering is light and cheerful. A song of gratitude that will live in the hearts and minds of the listener beyond theclose of the service.

Britten's Jubilate is written for SATB choir and Organ accompaniment.Benjamin Britten's birthday (22nd November 1913 Lowestoft) falls on St. Cecilia's Day a happy augury for the career of one of Britain's greatestcomposers. Essentially a vocal composer Britten won international fame for his operas and song-cycles. He never abandoned the principles of tonality and was a 'modern' composer who reached a mass audience and a conservative whoseoriginality no radical would sensibly deny. He shared with his predecessors Parry Vaughan Williams and Holst an intense interest in works for amateurs and children. His brilliant gifts as a pianist and conductor coupled withhis virtuosic inventiveness also led him to compose music for great performers such as the cellist Mstislav Rostropovich and the singers Galina Vishnevskaya Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau and Janet Baker.The greatestpersonal influence on his music was the Tenor Peter Pears for whom he composed many operatic and vocal roles. In 1948 Britten Pears and Eric Crozier founded the Aldeburgh Festival now one of the most respected established fornew English music. In 1952 he was made a Companion of Honour in 1965 received the Order of Merit and in 1976 the year of his death he became the first composer to receive a life peerage.Oxford University Press wasBritten's first publisher. In the early 1930s A Boy Was Born and the Simple Symphony brought him great critical acclaim and launched his compositional career. Oxford is delighted to present some previouslyunpublished pieces in collaboration with the Britten Estate. These include the Double Concerto for Violin and Viola premiered at Snape by the Britten-Pears Orchestra under Kent Nagano in June 1997; Two Portraits forString Orchestra premiered on BBC Radio 3 in December 1995 by the Northern Sinfonia under Martyn Brabbins; The World Of The Spirit the full version first performed in 1938 on the BBC Home Service the abridged

The musical story of a young America struggling to be free! From the powerful Simple Gifts opening to the conclusion of Shenandoah enjoy a multi-colored tapestry of 20 folk classics with brief narration. An ideal festival work!Available: SATB 2-Part ShowTrax Cassette. Performance Time: Approx. 15:30.

Uses: General ThanksgivingScripture: Psalm 188:1 I Chronicles 16:8 Psalm 136Benjamin Harlan takes three well-known Thanksgiving songs and joins them together with purpose and power for anytime thechurch gathers to worship. From the innocent clarity of the shaker tune: Simple Gifts (with a new text) which transitions to O WALY WALY then to the confident chords of Come Ye Thankful People Come this anthemdisplays great compositional craftsmanship. The light orchestration is a colorful addition to any performance. Also available: Orchestration & LiteTrax CD.

Uses: Easter St. Thomas SundayScripture: I Peter 1:8The traditional “Simple Gifts” tune is given a fresh treatment with a modern text by Charlotte Lee. With the declarative text “Christ lives and so do we ” this is an anthem of joy and hope that will enhance your Easter worship celebration. The optional trumpet part is included and will add an extra bit of sparkle to your presentation.

Uses: General Pentecost Unity StewardshipScripture: I Corinthians 12:1-11A fresh perspective on a treasured Scripture is the heart of this melodic choral anthem. A simple yet elegant tune deliversclearly the message of unity and sharing. A supportive and decorative piano part moves the piece forward and the well-crafted choral writing arranges for the success of your ensemble. Celebrate the diversity of our gifts anddiscover the union we have in the love of Christ! Duration: ca. 3:13.

One of the great treasures of American folk music this Shaker melody receives a refreshing treatment in this Dale Warland setting. With Harp. Includes parts for Flute Harp and Guitar. Performance Time: Approx. 2:10.

for SATB piccolo flute glockenspiel and organ The choral writing in this traditional hymn arrangement is typically straightforward but hugely effective.