This famous Shaker ?quick dance? has many names includingTis a Gift to be Simple, Simple Gifts, and Lord of the Dance.Aaron Copland included the melody in his ballet, Appalachian Spring(1944). Arrangements of Simple Gifts has been sung at three US PresidentialInaugurations (1985, 1993 and 2009).



The Multi-level pieces were initially arranged in an AVersion. When that was completed, it was then simplified to form the BVersion. The B Version has thinner linesand allows more time for placing the fingers. The purpose is to permit harpistsof various playing levels to enjoy performing together.

In the key of D, the melody is divided evenly between parts. There are nopedal or lever changes. Dynamics are clearly marked. Shaker songs were quite sungoften in rounds.

You will receive the Score, Harp I, andHarp II.

This pentatonicmelody dates back to the middle ages. It is performed as a slow ballad or anenergetic march and has many titles. Similar to the English hymn tune, Kingsfold,Star of County Down has been used for numerous Hymn and Christmas Carol settings.

Set in thekey of em, the melody is shared equally between parts. Each part is of equaldifficulty. The piece starts and ends with knocking on the soundboard. Dynamicsare clearly marked.