The beautiful melody, Simple Gifts, is from a book of songs published in the 1840s by the Shakers, a religious group who settled in areas from New England to Kentucky. The melody for Simple Gifts was used in American composer, Aaron Coplands ballet, Appalachian Spring. Its theme of simplicity, freedom, and humility are appropriate for a ballet, but for celebrating the spirit of our National Thanksgiving Holiday. Tis the gift to be simple, tis the gift to be free,
Tis the gift to come down where you ought to be, And when we find ourselves in the place just right, Twill be in the valley of love and delight. When true simplicity is gained, To bow and to bend we shant be ashamed, To turn, turn will be our delight, Till by turning, turning we come round right. This year at your family Thanksgiving dinner table take a moment to count the simplest of your blessings and feel the peace. Relaxing piano music is a lovely way to bring a little extra peace into your home during the busy holiday season. Make your first purchase a piano CD of this musical part of our Thanksgiving heritage Simple Gifts. Who knows, it might turn out to be one of your familys favorite traditions at Thanksgiving. |
