In 2008, the U.S. Coast Guard Band welcomed Leonard Slatkin to the podium as the Captain Lewis J. Buckley guest conductor. In this video installment maestro Slatkin talks about composers that were inspirational growing up and conducts Aaron Copland’s Simple Gifts transcribed by William H. Silvester. Vocals by MU1 Lisa Williamson.
Program Notes: From Aaron Copland’s first of two popular sets of Old American Songs, “Simple Gifts” is a most familiar tune. Originally a Shaker hymn from 1848, Copland used it as the cornerstone melody of his 1944 ballet Appalachian Spring. This is transcription of his setting of the song for voice and orchestra.