Chord Req: Simple Gifts -Looking for an arrangemen

Subject: Chord Req: Simple Gifts -Looking for an arrangement
From: GUEST,NYMusicLover
Date: 25 Jun 08 - 06:01 PM

I'm looking for a rather complicated arrangement of Simple Gifts. We did it in 1999 at Shasta Community College in Redding CA. Now I'd love to find the same arrangement for out Chorus here.

The sopranos lead out with
"Tis a gift to be simple (altos come in, in round style, then tenors then Basses)

It's all very pretty round type style changing some rhythms and notes around until partway through where there is an outstanding soprano solo line, and then total organized chaos and then the final line in unison rhythm-wise but lovely harmony at the end...

It's the best I can do to describe it...lets just say it was fun, gorgeous, and anything BUT "Simple" lol I have a cassette recording, but without the copy I purchased then (I tended to purchase all my copies of college choir music from the director - lost an entire file cabinet in a flood)I can't remember who arranged it.

Subject: RE: Chord Req: Simple Gifts -Looking for an arrangemen
From: Jack Campin
Date: 25 Jun 08 - 06:27 PM

The most complicated arrangement I know of is in Bartok's Second Rhapsody for Violin and Orchestra. (Presumably it was originally an Eastern European folk tune and Bartok got it direct from there - his take on it predates Copland by several years).

If you can get human voices to do what Bartok has the orchestra doing, you'll have a choir that can outsing the Swingles.

Subject: RE: Chord Req: Simple Gifts -Looking for an arrangemen
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 25 Jun 08 - 06:33 PM

Eight trillion years ago I sang this with a church choir, and the setting was similar to the one you describe, but my memory for details is a bit hazy. However I think it might have been Aaron Copland's SATB arrangement. Take a look at this link and see what you think:

http://www.boosey.com/shop/prod/Simple-Gifts-SATB/696895

Subject: RE: Chord Req: Simple Gifts -Looking for an arrangemen
From: GUEST,It doesn't look like it's the Aaron Copland.
Date: 25 Jun 08 - 07:13 PM

at least, the sample page I saw didn't look right. I do believe it was an a capella arrangement, and, like I said, it was the soprano's that led the first line, starting two or three measures ahead of the altos...the arrangement at the beginning is similar to what you see done with Carol Of The Bells.

Subject: RE: Chord Req: Simple Gifts -Looking for an arrangemen
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 25 Jun 08 - 10:08 PM

I have a friend who is a choir director, and she commented recently that 'Simple Gifts' has some of the most complicated arrangement around. I believe this means there are quite a few of them.

I believe your best bet would be to locate the choir director from 1999. Or ask the head of the music dept at the community college. The arrangements are probably still in a file drawer at the music department.

Subject: RE: Chord Req: Simple Gifts -Looking for an arrangemen
From: GUEST,NYMusicLover
Date: 25 Jun 08 - 10:20 PM

I think I'll probably have to do that...I'll call the college tomorrow and pray that Elizabeth is still directing...

I keep wanting to say Robert Shaw, but I'm not certain...

also, my memory just nudged me again, and it's the Altos that lead in

Alto "Tis a gift to be simple - hold note while Sopranos come in with "Tis a gift to be free and continue with the lyrics while the Tenors and Basses chime in...