Tuesday, January 27, 2009

CELEBRATING THE PAST

And the past continued to be celebrated during the inaugural events. The music played by the famous quartet--cellist Yo-Yo Ma, violinist Itzhak Perlman, pianist Gabriela Montero and clarinetist Anthony McGill--included "Simple Gifts," based on a Shaker song from the mid 1800s. The Shakers came to America in the 18th century and settled in their own villages. Their furniture and household goods are in a unique, simple style that's popular with museums and collectors today.

2 comments:

Carole said...

I found this to be very interesting about the song. I am going to try to find it and download it. Did you know that they were not really playing live that day? Apparently it was too cold for the instruments to tune properly, so they prerecorded. thanks so much for this interesting info. I also enjoyed reading about the pin on our new first lady's dress.
Carole

Anonymous said...

In my opinion, Simple Gifts by this quartet was the high point of this inauguration ceremony. I was completely taken by it!