Aaron Copland, Old American Songs, First Set, No. 4 Simple Gifts

Old American Songs (Aaron Copland)
First Set
No. 4 Simple Gifts
James Bierney, baritone
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The wonderful accompaniment was provided by Uli Schauerte whose CZcams channel can be found here @UliSchauerte and website is www.uli-schaue....
On his great website you can find orchestral accompaniments, from Mahler, Schubert, Ravel and many others, all painstakingly, and beautifully, made by this excellent musician.
“Simple Gifts” is the most familiar of the tunes that Copland uses for his Old American Songs; it is, of course, the cornerstone of his 1944 ballet, Appalachian Spring. “Simple Gifts” is a Shaker hymn from 1848, the words and melody written by Elder Joseph Brackett. The United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, were initially known as "Shaking Quakers" because of their ecstatic behavior and enraptured dancing during worship. Enshrined in Shaker doctrine was a belief in racial and gender equality as well as a very strong work ethic. “Work is worship” they believed - which must have appealed to Copland.
Copland gave the song a recitative-like quality by placing the chords squarely on weak beats, ensuring that this version of “Simple Gifts” would be sung without a regular rhythmic pulse.
‘Tis the gift to be simple, ’tis the gift to be free
’tis the gift to come down where you ought to be
And when we find ourselves in the place just right
‘Twill be in the valley of love and delight.
When true simplicity is gained
To bow and to bend we shan’t be ashamed
To turn, turn will be our delight
‘Till by turning, turning we come round right.
‘Tis the gift to be simple, ’tis the gift to be free
’tis the gift to come down where you ought to be
And when we find ourselves in the place just right
‘Twill be in the valley of love and delight.