Instrumentation: SATB Choir
Duration: 2:30
Premiere: 5/22/93
Minneapolis Vocal Consort, Bear Lake, MN
Program Note:
‘Tis a Gift to Be Simple is a setting of the lyrics by Joseph Brackett (1797-1882), songwriter and member of the Shaker community who also composed the original melody. I created a new melody and four-part setting which has the character of a madrigal, including the ‘fa-la-la’ embellishments so typical of that genre. This music is accessible and appropriate for high school choruses and beyond.