It is obvious that music was and still is an important spiritual aspect of Shaker life. Brother Theodore E. Johnson wrote this about their artistic accomplishments:. These two concepts of unity and simplicity can also apply to other communal or intentional societies. From a musical standpoint, these concepts apply to those who composed and performed vocal music in other intentional community settings, such as Bishop Hill, Ephrata Cloister, General Economy Moravians , Harmony Society, Hopedale Community, United Order Mormons , and Zoar.
Since the mid-twentieth century, "Simple Gifts" has been sung in almost every imaginable location: churches, schools, folk clubs, concert halls, and other venues. The Shakers in the nineteenth century composed three main types of music: one-verse songs, multi-verse hymns, and through-composed or prose anthems. Within these three types there are numerous sub-categories, such as wordless songs, dance songs, gift songs, union songs, prayer hymns, and inspirational anthems.
Since it has only one verse, "Simple Gifts" was classified by the Shakers as a song. Because of their inspirational nature, all three music types are best classified together as Shaker spirituals. Use this link to get back to this page. They were best known, however, for their furniture. During the s, though, the most radical aspect of Shaker life was their treatment of women. No, no, no, in good way. In the Shaker community, women were elevated to positions of leadership.
They preached, became elders, and were selected to govern several communities. Ann Lee set the example when she rose to prominence among English Shakers through her eloquent evangelism and courageous opposition to restrictions on religious speech. In America, her followers elevated her status even further. Many of the dances followed a ritual-like form; men and women would follow patterns performed for decades. Occasionally this dance would take on the enthusiasm and free-form spontaneity of a mystical experience, though.
Satisfaction was not attained through the acquisition of power or wealth. Instead, it was attained through humility and freedom from worldly goods. In , the Shakers had 19 communities and roughly 6, members.
To a certain extent, this growth had been fueled by a larger wave of religious enthusiasm known as the Second Great Awakening.
Beginning in the South around and travelling to the Northeast during the s and s, this movement reshaped American religion. Older churches had preached a complex and somewhat depressing message: humankind was riddled by sin and there was nothing that people could do about it.
God promised to save a few, but He alone decided who these would be, and nothing a person did could influence His judgment. This more optimistic message was complemented by the argument that individuals should trust their own religious judgments. They were as able as any trained preacher to read and interpret the Bible and were even invited to testify at religious services—and to do so enthusiastically.
Song cycle. Art song. Begin typing your search term above and press enter to search. Press ESC to cancel. Ben Davis July 20, Who wrote song Simple Gifts? Which American composer is best known for his ballets on distinctly American themes such as Appalachian Spring Rodeo and Billy the Kid?
What piece of music signaled his return to the avant garde style? Who helped Copland find his American sound? What was the name of the ballet Copland was asked to write?
How do composers make their musical works sound American? What music is unique to the US? Who was the most successful marching band leader of America? What are the main characteristics of a song cycle?
0コメント