When you start getting ready for Thanksgiving, what comes to your mind? Do you think of the first Thanksgiving and early America? It's something that we definitely think of at this time of the year. Can you just imagine the images of Pilgrims and old wood houses and log cabins? Music can do a lot to take you back into that time and mindframe, it can also enrich the imagery and even evoke the smells of Thanksgiving. We have many great albums for Thanksgiving, but today we wanted to highlight an album that isn't normally thought of as "Thanksgiving" music, but easily calls all of the early American imagery to mind. When we listen to the Shaker songs performed by The Tudor Choir, the sound of those melodies and folksongs immediately whisks us away to those early and "simple" times. A perfect mood-setter for gathering together our families and thinking of all that we are thankful for. So today we highlight the album Gentle Words and give you some history of Shaker Tunes from the arranger himself.
Gentle Words
Shaker songs arranged by Kevin Siegfried
The Tudor Choir, Doug Fullington, director
Click here to download this album on ClassicsOnline.com and listen to samples of all the tracks! Or click the album title to purchase directly from The Gothic Catalog.
"Gentle Words is another treasure by Loft Recordings, and excellent little independent label based in Seattle that specializes in organ music. If you care about American music or the art of sublime choral singing, I implore you to buy this recording." - Fanfare
Shaker music is one of the richest bodies of folksong in American history and Kevin Siegfried's arrangements follow Shaker aesthetics of beauty, simplicity and utility. Sung by The Tudor Choir, this recording incorporates a variety of original choral arrangements, including unison singing and antiphonal performances.
Booklet contains full texts and commentary on each tune, and an introduction to Shaker music.
This is one of our favorite CDs...
Tracks:
I will bow and be simple * In yonder valley * All is summer * O Lord make me pure * Love is little * The burning day * Circular march * Help me, O Lord * Heavenly display * Followers of the Lamb * Come to Zion * We must be meek * Lay me low * Solemn song * Beautiful treasure * Peace * Angels of heaven * Hunger and thirst * Dismission of Great I * Revelation * Prayer for the captive * Gentle words * Beautiful valley * Jubilee * Ezekiel's vision * Almighty Savior * Cords of love * I will go on my way
The Shakers, or United Society of Believers, originated in England around 1747. In 1770, the charismatic Ann Lee became the acknowledged leader of this small, spirited band. Their animated and ecstatic worship practices incorporating dancing and singing gave rise to their common name. Directed by a revelation, nine Shakers, including Mother Ann Lee, departed for America in 1774, to escape persecution and spread their unique message.
"Put your hands to work and your hearts to God," Mother Ann told her followers, and this they did. Shaker communal societies spread throughout the eastern United States and west to Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, with a total estimated population of 6,000 at its peak by the 1840s. Guided by the principles of celibacy and devotion to the gospel, these societies were characterized by pacifism, gender/racial equality, and an astounding industriousness and invention. With one society still remaining today in Maine, the Shakers have outlived all other "utopian" religious communities, leaving an indelible mark on American culture.
The visionary and original Shaker spirit perhaps found its greatest expression in music and dance. As a result, Shaker music represents the largest body of folksong in American history with approximately 10,000 songs in existence. Seeking separation from the world, the early Shakers avoided all harmony and instrumental accompaniment in their music, and created their own musical notation to record their unique, unfettered songs. These melodies reveal an inspired imagination and strong sense of musical line and proportion.
Because Shaker music is undeniably important to American musical history and culture, my goal in arranging these Shaker melodies for choirs is to make them accessible and useful in modern worship and concert settings. Central to all Shaker art and music is the theme of functionality, defined by use. It is my hope that these arrangements will move the Shaker songs from historical text into living musical settings. They seek to combine the Shaker themes of beauty, simplicity, and utility.
As a composer and arranger, my approach to these songs grew out of an intense involvement with the material, rather than a preconceived idea rooted in my particular musical style. I have attempted to maintain the simplicity and directness of the original, unison melodies, with an emphasis on unison singing and antiphonal performance which were at the very heart of Shaker musical practice. The majority of Shaker songs still remain hidden from public view, requiring a massive effort of compilation and transcription. I am most grateful to the scholars and performers whose passion and activity in the realm of Shaker song study and transcription have brought so much to light: E.D. Andrews, Mitzie Collins, Harold Cook, Randy Folger, Roger Hall, and Daniel Patterson.
My first introduction to Shaker music came through reading E.D. Andrews’ famous book The Gift to be Simple. The man who brought Shaker music alive to my ears and imagination was Randy Folger, who performed daily in the meeting house at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill in Kentucky. Randy’s position as Music and Special Programs Manager at Shaker Village gave him the opportunity to establish a deep, intimate relationship with Shaker music. As anyone who heard him knows, he gave himself wholly to the songs, resurrecting the power and spirit of an inspired Shaker singer. It was Randy who first encouraged me in this project of arranging Shaker songs. Sadly, his life was taken in an auto accident in 1999. This recording is dedicated to him, in gratitude for his friendship, encouragement, and inspiration.
To Randy – your voice breathed life and goes on singing.
- Kevin Siegfried
