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Instruction, Information & Inspiration for Players of Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass & Fiddle | May 14, 2010

An American Hymn for
Beginning String Orchestra

The American spiritual “Simple Gifts,” ak. “Tis the Gift to Be Simple,” is a dance song that was written in 1848 by Shaker church elder Joseph Brackett in Maine. Over the years, this folk hymn has become part of the classical music tradition: American composer Aaron Copland used this beautiful tune for his ballet, Appalachian Spring, first performed in 1944, and cellist Yo-Yo Ma teamed up with singer and fiddler Alison Krauss for a popular recorded version. Ma also performed a John Williams-arranged version of the folk song—along with violinist Itzhak Perlman, clarinetist Anthony McGill, and pianist Gabriela Montera—at President Barack Obama’s 2009 Inauguration ceremonies.

The first eight measures of the piece are an introduction—the first violin plays the tune here. With the two quarter-note pickups to rehearsal letter A, the second violin takes the lead. This is the beginning of the melody for “Tis the Gift to Be Simple.” The first violin takes over the tune at rehearsal letter B. Make sure to play this melody with gusto, even though it is marked at mezzoforte.

The second violin and then first violin or a small choir could also sing the words with the melody here, if they wish. It’s nice to hear the tune sung, if you can. My elementary school orchestra played this tune with the school choir singing along and everyone loved it—kids, teachers, and parents. If you do this, I recommend singing the entire song to letter C. Let the cellos take the tune and then the singers could join in again with the second half of the tune from letter D to E. They could also sing the Israeli folk-song “Shalom Chaverim” at letter F, rest until letter G and then sing the second half of the English-language lyrics “Tis the Gift to Be Simple” at letter H.

By Renata Bratt

Arranged for a beginning string group, the easy-to-play folk hymns in Amazing Grace and Simple Gifts: Traditional Tunes for String Orchestra are recommended for school programs, worship services, and recitals. In addition to “Amazing Grace” you’ll get the full score and parts for “Simple Gifts,” a folk hymn that has become part of the classical music tradition. It has been recorded by cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and he performed the tune with violinist Itzhak Perlman and others at President Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration.

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