Simple Gifts - Yo-Yo Ma and Alison Krauss

A Thanksgiving song by Yo-Yo Ma and Alison Krauss from his "Classic Yo-Yo" CD. The grace of God is both a profound yet simple gift. Give Him thanks. A gift of song for my husband, who dearly loves the Thanksgiving holiday...

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  Music

[InSung Hwang]

Thisi song is also meaningful for some South Koreans. In May 18, 1980, Korean army took over Korean government and attacked the last civil resistantance who tried to keep their dignity. The civil resistantances were in a city named Gwang-ju and they did not turn in and were slaughtered by soldiers. 5 days after, all mass media in Gwang-ju were stopped and this song was played in radio again and again.

[beanscot]

That's a sad use of this song and May 18, 1980 is a significant date in your country. Thank you for commenting.

[terry beaton]

More than one President has heard this song performed during their inaugeration. I don't think it helped, sadly.

[beanscot]

It is a gift to be free. Thank you for commenting.

[fred miles]

This song, thought to be Celtic, was unknown outside Shaker communities until added to "Appalachian Spring" by Copland.

[TheAnshey]

This made me shiver and I'm not even exaggerating.

[thankgodfordavidgf]

Wow this is nice

[beanscot]

It's okay!  Easy mistake. : )

[Dani H.]

I heard that it was written by Aaron Copland I'm sorry I admit I was wrong. sorry about the mix up

[beanscot]

Thank you for the confirmation.

[07veritasboston]

It sure was known in the Shaker community in Gorham, Maine where it was composed in 1848. The notated melody was recorded by Mary Hazzard in the New Lebannon, NY Shaker community with Joseph Brackett, Jr.'s name and the year 1848 recorded as the date composed.

[07veritasboston]

Actually "beanscot" is correct. The music and words were Written by Joseph Brackett Jr. in 1848. A manuscript owned by Mary Hazzard of the Shaker community in New Lebanon, New York recorded the original version of the melody. Brackett wrote the song from the Shaker settlement in Gorham, Maine. Copland loved the melody and used it in his "Appalachian Spring."