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.'

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

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.

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.

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.

This simple yet elegant truth is a gentle reminder to an attitude of gratitude for God's providence and provision for our lives. This classic text by John Hampden Gurney poetically declares the goodness of the Lord as revealedin creation and all the gifts – great and small – that enhance our daily lives. Included on LiteTrax Accompaniment CD. Supports: Luke 11:13 James 1:17 Ecclesiastes 3:13

Classic American folk songs arranged for a cappella singing. Selections include: America the Beautiful Shenandoah Simple Gifts Skip to My Lou Yankee Doodle and nine more!

A spectacular reimagining of the celebrated Shaker song made famous by Aaron Copland in Appalachian Spring! This American classic is sent soaring in this joyful and energetic arrangement that tugs at the heart and thrills the soul. Many options are available: full orchestration/track one piano four-hands or a one piano two-hands version. All are expertly crafted and offer choirs a distinctive new take on this testament to living modestly in the spirit of Thanksgiving.