Review

Anonymous
Simple Gifts:

Arranged by Lloyd Conley


Delevan, NY, United States
Publisher: Kendor Music
Date of Publication: 2005
URL: http://www.kendormusic.com

Piano score and solo part

Primary Genre: Elementary Material - solo
Secondary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with piano

This is a setting of the 19th century Shaker melody made famous by Aaron Copland in his music for the ballet, Appalachian Spring. More recently, a version with cellist Yo Yo Ma and vocalist Alison Kraus is among iTunes top 40 classical songs. Conley sets four verses. They are marked Moderato, Allegro, and two Andante verses marked legato and marcato, respectively. The changes in tempo that highlight each section may prove challenging for a grade 3 solo. Otherwise this version is highly idiomatic, provides optional sixteenth or eighth note passages, and uses friendly keys. Aside from a piano accompaniment that seems unnecessarily low in tessitura, Conley provides a thoughtful version of a piece of Americana.

-Joel Elias
Sacramento State University