Instrumental Duet,Lever Harp - Level 2 - Digital Download
SKU: A0.803867
Composed by Elder Joseph Brackett, Jr. Arranged by Serena O’Meara. Folk,Sacred,Spiritual,Traditional,Wedding. 6 pages. O'Meara Music #5318331. Published by O'Meara Music (A0.803867).
This famous Shaker quick dance has many names including Tis a Gift to be Simple, Simple Gifts, and Lord of the Dance. Aaron Copland included the melody in his ballet, Appalachian Spring (1944). Arrangements of Simple Gifts has been sung at three US Presidential Inaugurations (1985, 1993 and 2009).
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The Multi-level pieces were initially arranged in an A Version. When that was completed, it was then simplified to form the B Version. The B Version has thinner lines and allows more time for placing the fingers. The purpose is to permit harpists of various playing levels to enjoy performing together.
In the key of D, the melody is divided evenly between parts. There are no pedal or lever changes. Dynamics are clearly marked. Shaker songs were quite often sung in rounds.
