Copland: Variations on a Shaker Melody from Appalachian Spring

One Piano, Four Hands

Editor: Bennett Lerner

The Shaker tune is “Simple Gifts” which Copland chose from a book about the Shakers, which included a collection of Shaker melodies, compiled by Edward D. Andrews and published under the title “The Gift to be Simple.” This melody was first used by Copland in his ballet, “Appalachian Spring.” It was later included in the first volume of “Old American Songs” for voice and piano.