Joseph Brackett
Joseph Brackett Jr. (May 6, 1797 – July 4, 1882), an American songwriter and Elder of The United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing ("The Shakers"), was born in Cumberland, Maine, and died in the Shaker community of Sabbathday Lake at New Gloucester, Maine.[1]
Brackett is known as the author of the Shaker dancing song "Simple Gifts", which has become an internationally loved tune, both through his original version, and many of its adaptations. The song, written in 1848, was largely unknown outside of Shaker communities until Aaron Copland used the melody in his 1944 composition Appalachian Spring.
Brackett's tune is also known widely through the lyrics "Lord of the Dance" written by Sydney Carter in 1963.
External links
Wikiquote has quotations related to Joseph Brackett.
- Joseph Brackett's 'Simple Gifts'
- Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village
- Template:WIMA
- Free scores by Joseph Brackett at the International Music Score Library Project (IMSLP)
References
- ^ Hall, Roger L. (2006). The Story of SIMPLE GIFTS. PineTree Press.