Ep 2. Simple Gifts: Chamber Music Society At Shaker Village
- September 9, 2016
Live From Lincoln Center Season 41 Episode 2 "Simple Gifts: Chamber Music Society At Shaker Village" takes viewers on a journey through the American musical history. The episode is an impressive blend of performances and interviews that transports the audience to the tranquil, rural Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, Kentucky.
Simple Gifts: Chamber Music Society At Shaker Village is a carefully curated concert featuring the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. The group performs pieces from the American folk genre that have been inspired by the Shaker culture. The featured pieces include works by Aaron Copland, John Adams, and Zeke Hecker. The music selection is phenomenal, and the performances are not only musically impressive but also emotively powerful.
The concert takes place on the grounds of the historic Shaker Village, surrounded by rustic, serene landscapes that emanate the peace and simplicity of life. The setting is particularly moving considering the Shakers were known for their music and the significance it held for them as an expression of faith and community.
The performance pays tribute to the Shaker culture, and amidst the beautiful sounds of the quartet's strings, the audience gains insight into the Shaker way of life and how it still resonates today. The concert features commentary by Alexander Bernstein, President of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, and Shaker Village's own CEO and President, Maynard Crossland.
The performances are spellbinding, with each piece showcasing the cohesion and expertise of the quartet as they bring the American folk genre to life in a way that's both fresh and classic. The concert opener, Zeke Hecker's "Shaker Variations," sets an impressive tone with its driving rhythm and subtly evolving harmonies. It's a thrilling piece that makes for an entrancing start to an already-powerful concert.
The concert's centerpiece is Aaron Copland's "Appalachian Spring," a musical masterpiece that has become an enduring anthem of American classical music. The piece is intricate and stirring, with each member of the quartet contributing an integral piece to the overall sound. The Chamber Music Society delivers the iconic work with reverent skill, their performance clearly appreciative of the piece's legacy.
Throughout the concert, the chamber group explores other folk-inspired works, including the intriguing "Shaker Loops" by John Adams. The quartet delivers a tightly woven, compelling rendition of the piece, skillfully playing with its minimalist elements to create a whimsical sound that inspires wonder in the listener.
The concert concludes with a breathtaking performance of Antonin Dvořák's "American String Quartet," a piece inspired by the composer's time in America. The piece combines the best aspects of Dvorak's European sound with American undertones in a well-crafted soundscape. The performance ends on a strong note, with the quartet skillfully bringing to life the work's final triumphant notes.
Simple Gifts: Chamber Music Society At Shaker Village is more than just a concert -- it's a one-of-a-kind experience that combines incredible music with history, culture, and the natural beauty of the Shaker Village. By the end of the episode, viewers not only have a better understanding of the power of the American folk genre but are left with a sense of the deep cultural history of the rural Shaker community. Ultimately, If you're a fan of American music history, classical music, or just looking to be inspired, Simple Gifts: Chamber Music Society At Shaker Village is a show you don't want to miss.
