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#456725 - Sat Jan 24 2009 10:09 AM Re: Inaugural Poem
Gatsby722 Offline
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Registered: Fri May 18 2001
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Quote:

This was an original arrangement, but not an entirely original composition by John Williams. The song, "Simple Gifts" was composed by Joseph Brackett in the 18th century as a Shaker hymn. The same melody appears in Aaron Copland's ballet Appalachian Spring. I kept thinking of Copland while listening to the piece.


Hmmm! Thank you, chelseabelle - I hadn't heard that before (but must confess to not reading anything about the tune). The network folks on the one I watched led to believe that Williams had written it especially for the event. Wherever it came from, I thought it was truly lovely - I especially liked the ethnic mix of the musicians as well . That, too, fit in nicely with the "theme" of Inauguration Day.
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#456726 - Sat Jan 24 2009 07:39 PM Re: Inaugural Poem
chelseabelle Offline
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Registered: Thu Oct 07 1999
Posts: 10282
Loc: New York USA
I agree, it is a lovely piece, Gatsby, and I really enjoyed Williams' arrangement. The original melody, or song, by Joseph Brackett has been incorporated or used by many other composers, most notably Copland.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simple_Gifts

It is often performed as a vocal with Joseph Brackett's original lyrics.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HILWa4U-3Ac&feature=related

From what I understand, John Williams often "borrows" from other composers and incorporates them into his own works. This particular composition seemed just perfect for the inauguration, particularly because it had historical echoes of traditional American music.
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