The Simplest of Gifts (Solo Violin + String Orchestra Gr. 2)

Revised from the composer’s original 2011 setting, the simplest of gifts re-imagines the traditional melody, "Simple Gifts," with neoclassical textures and canonic lines. This arrangement serves as an offering of gratitude to Dr. Martha Placeres for sharing one of the simplest of gifts: encouragement.

Genre: Solo Violin with String Orchestra | # of Players: 8-8-5-5-5-1
Series: Sapphire Orchestra Series
Level: 2 | Duration: 5:00

Instrumentation
Conductor's Score (8.5"x11" stapled booklet)

Solo Violin
Violin I
Violin II
Viola
Cello
Contrabass

Program Notes
the simplest of gifts offers a contemporary re-imagining of the Shaker tune Simple Gifts, weaving neoclassical ideas with canonic interplay and rich harmonies. The familiar melody, one that has shaped my musical life since I first encountered Frank Ticheli’s setting while I was in middle school band (and later Aaron Copland’s setting in undergrad), is framed by an original chorale with a solo violin playing fragments of the melody.

These chorales, which are unrelated to the source material, reflect the thoughts of my life in 2011. I was trying to find my way and forge a new path–albeit contradictory to the traditions of my family–in hopes that I could fall into success as a musician. These emotionally-driven chorales represent my inner tumult and are juxtaposed with the fragmented Shaker melody reminding me what my end-goal has been: to be “simple,” “free,” and “...where you ought to be.” These bookending moments cast a structure that both honors tradition and refracts it through a modern and emotional lens.

The middle variations of the piece paint more of a traditional landscape with each variation giving each section of the ensemble the opportunity to play out. These following variations are insired by Frank Ticheli’s aforementioned setting, starting at measure 26, and Pérotin’s approach to polyphony (namely, Viderunt Omnes), starting at measure 45, before the recapitulation of the opening material.

First composed in 2011 and newly revised in 2026 for publication, the work reflects on the enduring strength found in simplicity: in both music and in the quiet gift of encouragement. It is dedicated with appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Martha Placeres, whose early belief in my calling as a composer and conductor continues to shape my work fifteen years later. By granting me the opportunity to premiere the original version of this setting, she made possible my first experience of conducting music of my own imagination. This experience ignited my enduring love of making music, collaborating with friends and colleagues, and fully realizes the goal I’ve always been after.

After all of these years, I feel right where I ought to be.

– M.C.