Main content

Simple Gifts

Episode 2 of 5

Music lovers describe the impact of the tune, Simple Gifts, a Shaker Hymn which was used by composer Aaron Copland. From August 2011.

Simple Gifts started life as a Shaker Hymn and became incorporated into the hymn Lord of the Dance and Aaron Copland's ballet suite Appalachian Spring.

Nora Guthrie describes the central place this tune has played throughout her life.

Pete Lashley tells how he heard it unexpectedly whilst touring in New Zealand.

Michael Carter explains why his father chose this tune for his famous hymn "Lord of the Dance" and Scott Malchus describes running a marathon whilst listening to this music.

Featuring:

Thomas Swain
Michael Carter
Nora Guthrie
Scott Malchus
Pete Lashley

Series exploring famous pieces of music and their emotional appeal.

Producer: Rosie Boulton

First broadcast on 91热爆 Radio 4 in August 2011.

Available now

30 minutes

Last on

Sat 19 Oct 2024 00:00

Music Played

  • Alison Krauss

    Simple Gifts

    • Yo-Yo Ma.
    • Classic Yo-Yo.
  • SYDNEY CARTER, Martin Carthy, Jonny Scott Trio, Mike Sammers Singers Carols & Ballads

    Lord of the Dance

    • Elektra Records UK Ltd.
  • Leonard Bernstein & New York Philharmonic

    Track 1 Very Slowly - APPALACHIAN SPRING

    • Bernstein Century: Copland.
    • Sony Music Entertainment Inc.
  • Leonard Bernstein & New York Philharmonic

    Track 7 Doppio movimento - APPALACHIAN SPRING

    • Bernstein century: Copland.
    • Sony Music Entertainment Inc.
  • Leonard Bernstein & New York Philharmonic

    Track 8 Moderato Coda - APPALACHIAN SPRING

    • Bernstein century: Copland.
    • Sony Music Entertainment Inc.
  • Pete Lashley

    Simple Gifts

Broadcasts

  • Tue 8 Mar 2011 13:30
  • Sat 12 Mar 2011 15:30
  • Fri 28 Oct 2016 18:30
  • Sat 29 Oct 2016 00:30
  • Tue 20 Apr 2021 18:30
  • Wed 21 Apr 2021 00:30
  • Fri 18 Oct 2024 10:00
  • Fri 18 Oct 2024 16:00
  • Sat 19 Oct 2024 00:00

Why Sam Cooke's 'A Change Is Gonna Come' became a Civil Rights anthem

Why Sam Cooke's 'A Change Is Gonna Come' became a Civil Rights anthem

Watch the animation - Professor Mary King describes how the song became a symbol of hope.

Podcast