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Event
Singing Together in Full Voice
Similar to the Shakers' alternative musical notation system of the 19th century, Shape Note musical notation was designed for congregational singing using a system of shapes in place of standard musical notation. The Maine Shape Note Singers will provide instruction and demonstration prior to an open sing-along of songs from the oldest music book in print in the United States, Sacred Harp, along with a selection of early Shaker songs adapted to the Shape Note tradition. This event is offered FREE OF CHARGE to the general public but reservations are encouraged.
"The Maine Festival of American Music: Its Roots and Traditions" provides a rare opportunity to experience Shaker music and history in the context of the wider world of classical and folk music, while also celebrating American musicians, composers, historians and craftsmen. The Shakers host the festival with all performances taking place in their 1794 Meeting House, one of Maine's most beautiful and acoustically superb venues for vocal and instrumental performances.
Shaker music, received by spiritual inspiration rather than deliberate composition, is a product of one of America's most unique communal religious experiences. The majority of Shaker songs were 'received' in the mid-19th century and preserved mainly by oral tradition. There were at one time in excess of 25,000 Shaker songs and, today, as many as 1000 remain a part of the active repertoire of the Sabbathday Lake Shakers. One of these living songs, "Simple Gifts" has achieved lasting significance outside of the Shaker Church. Written originally in 1848 by Maine's Elder Joseph Brackett, "Simple Gifts" in its best known adaptations has been used by Aaron Copland to create "Appalachian Spring" and Martha Graham for her avant-garde dance performance "The Shakers." By its quintessential nature, this song will also be central to the programs and ties together the performances presented throughout the Maine Festival of American Music.
For our full concert listing, click here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/producer/977175
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LocationSabbathday Lake Shaker Village (View)
707 Shaker Rd
New Gloucester, ME 04260
United States
Categories
Kid Friendly: Yes! |
Dog Friendly: No |
Non-Smoking: Yes! |
Wheelchair Accessible: No |
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