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Simple Gifts

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 BBC Radio 4 in August 2011.

Available now

30 minutes

Last on

Sat 19 Oct 202400:00
BBC Radio 4 Extra

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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 201113:30
    BBC Radio 4
  • Sat 12 Mar 201115:30
    BBC Radio 4 FM
  • Fri 28 Oct 201618:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Sat 29 Oct 201600:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Tue 20 Apr 202118:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Wed 21 Apr 202100:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Fri 18 Oct 202410:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Fri 18 Oct 202416:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Sat 19 Oct 202400:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra

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Podcast

  • Soul Music

    Series about pieces of music with a powerful emotional impact