Gwyneth Walker

Shaker Tunes

for Brass Quintet (1994)

Return to Gwyneth Walker Music Catalog
Read Shaker Images: A Contemporary Adventure Into the Past, an essay by the composer.
Read an analysis of "Simple Gifts" from Shaker Tunes (1994) for brass quintet

Listen to a RealAudio (G2) stream of the first movement of this work performed by the Constitution Brass Quintet of Vermont.
Listen to a RealAudio (G2) stream of the second movement of this work performed by the Constitution Brass Quintet of Vermont.
Listen to a RealAudio (G2) stream of the third movement of this work performed by the New Mexico Brass Quintet.
Listen to a RealAudio (G2) stream of the fourth movement of this work performed by the New Mexico Brass Quintet.
Listen to a RealAudio (G2) stream of the fifth movement of this work performed by the New Mexico Brass Quintet.

Download an MP3 file of the third movement of this work performed by the New Mexico Brass Quintet.
Download an MP3 file of the fifth movement of this work performed by the New Mexico Brass Quintet.

Download an MP3 file of the first movement of this work (with singing) performed by the Columbia Festival Brass and the "Occasional Singers".
Download an MP3 file of the second movement of this work (with singing) performed by the Columbia Festival Brass and the "Occasional Singers".
Download an MP3 file of the third movement of this work (with singing) performed by the Columbia Festival Brass and the "Occasional Singers".
Download an MP3 file of the fourth movement of this work (with singing) performed by the Columbia Festival Brass and the "Occasional Singers".
Download an MP3 file of the fifth movement of this work (with singing) performed by the Columbia Festival Brass and the "Occasional Singers".

View/download a PDF file of selected sample pages from the first movement of this work.
View/download a PDF file of selected sample pages from the second movement of this work.
View/download a PDF file of selected sample pages from the third movement of this work.
View/download a PDF file of selected sample pages from the fourth movement of this work.
View/download a PDF file of selected sample pages from the fifth movement of this work.

View/download a PDF file of choral arrangements of the Shaker melodies used in this work.


Shaker Tunes graphicr

Shaker Tunes for Brass Quintet were composed on commission from the Constitution Brass Quintet of Vermont during 1993-4. The concept was to create a suite of five movements based on pre-existent Shaker songs. Each movement would explore, expand upon, or reinterpret the original.

Of the five songs selected, several were familiar ("Simple Gifts" and "I Will Bow and Be Simple"). Others, less familiar. A variety of material was sought.

The opening "Welcome!" song (the full title is "Welcome, Welcome, Precious Gospel Kindred") was sung by the Shakers when they welcomed new members to their communities. The listener might almost hear the joyful grace-notes and trills in the brass instruments as gestures of the Shakers waving to newcomers!

"I Will Bow and Be Simple" is a reflective work. The simplicity and reverence of this song is expressed in the opening trumpet solo. The bowing down is heard in modulations to lower (flat-oriented) keys in the interior sections.

"Followers of the Lamb" is a jovial song which features the Tuba. "Oh Brethren ain't you happy, Ye Followers of the Lamb!"

"I Never Did Believe" is the most spiritually-oriented movement in the set. The song speaks of the individual giving up "all for God." The trombone represents the solitary person living within the Shaker community.

The familiar "Simple Gifts" is treated here in an especially up-tempo manner, yet with reverence and respect.

Shaker Tunes may be performed as an instrumental suite. Or, when singers are available, the individual songs may be performed before each of the brass variations.

The Shakers were an 18th and 19th-century religious sect based in the Northeastern United States. Singing was a featured part of Shaker life, often accompanied by dance and the clapping of hands. And thus a rich and lively repertoire of music was created. The songs upon which these brass arrangements are based were collected from 19th-century communities in Maine, New Hampshire and New York.

Notes by the composer