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Simple Gifts Comparative Video Analysis: Level Two Grow Zone
- Jan 13
- 3 min read
The Shaker tune "Simple Gifts" is more than just a melody; it is a profound representation of functional beauty, encapsulating the core values and philosophies of the Shaker community. Composed by Elder Joseph Brackett in the year 1848, this iconic song reflects the Shaker belief in "simplicity as a state of mind," which permeates not only their music but also their way of life, craftsmanship, and spiritual practices.
This activity is part of Level Two Grow Zone, Focus Point 2: "Complete three comparative video reviews."
Remember to present your answers to your teacher. Gemologists will earn a gem-award for correct completion. A portfolio entry will also receive a gem-award from your TQ-teacher.
While watching the videos consider the following concepts
1. The "Big Three" Comparison Tool
When listening and watching the videos focus on these four ideas.
Element | Question | What to listen for in Simple Gifts |
Tempo | Is it a walk, a run, or a stroll? | Does it feel like a "steady dance" or a "gentle lullaby"? |
Dynamics | Is it a whisper or a shout? | Is it soft (piano) like a solo flute, or loud (forte) like an orchestra? |
Texture | How many layers can you hear? | Is it just one person singing? A whole band? A "sandwich" of sounds? |
Instrumentation | What "tools" are making the sound? | Is it a recorder? A cello? An electronic beat? |
A Simple 3-Step Comparative Analysis Process
Step 1: The "First Impression" (Mood)
As you watch the first video, write three ‘Mood Words’ in your Music Journal.
Is it: Peaceful? Energetic? Grand? Spooky? Playful?
Simple Gifts was a Shaker dance tune from 1848.
Does the video feel like a "gift" or a "dance"?
Step 2: The "Spot the Difference" (Comparison)
When you watch video two and video three, can you describe one item that is exactly the same and one item that is totally different between them? Write the descriptions in your Music Journal.
Example: "Both videos have the same tune (melody), but Video A uses a violin and Video B uses a choir."
Step 3: The "Evidence" (Why?)
Finally add a comment in your Music Journal to answer the question "Why did Video 2 feel different than Video 1?"
Grammar & Vocabulary Boosters
In your music journal try to use ‘Comparative Connectives’ to join your musical thoughts.
Try to use these three words in your answers.
Whereas
"Video 1 is slow, whereas Video 2 is fast."
In contrast
"Video 3 uses a solo singer. In contrast, Video 1 uses a full orchestra."
Similarly
"Similarly, both videos use a steady pulse."
Remember when describing music, we often use the present tense (e.g., "The tempo is fast") because the music is "happening" while we listen.
Video Selection
Select three videos for your Comparative Analysis from this list.
The Original Folk Style
A simple vocal version (focus on lyrics/story).
Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring
Orchestral, grand, and uses "Theme and Variations" (great for texture).
Yo-Yo Ma
Cello solo (focus on strings and timbre).
Blast! (Drum & Bugle Corps)
High energy, brassy, and very fast (focus on tempo/dynamics).
A Recorder Ensemble
Very simple, thin texture (focus on rhythm).
Download the Worksheet
Download the Piano Music
Glossary of Key Terms
Term | Definition |
"Big Three" Comparison Tool | An analytical tool for listening that directs focus toward four core musical ideas: Tempo, Dynamics, Texture, and Instrumentation. |
Comparative Connectives | Words used to join musical thoughts and make comparisons between different pieces or versions. Examples include "Whereas," "In contrast," and "Similarly." |
Dynamics | A musical element describing volume. It addresses whether the music is soft (piano) like a solo flute, or loud (forte) like an orchestra. |
Elder Joseph Brackett | The composer of the Shaker tune "Simple Gifts" in the year 1848. |
Forte | A musical term for loud dynamics, such as the sound of a full orchestra. |
Instrumentation | A musical element describing the instruments or "tools" used to create the sound, such as a cello, recorder, or electronic beat. |
Piano | A musical term for soft dynamics, such as the sound of a solo flute. |
Simple Gifts | An iconic Shaker dance tune from 1848 that reflects the community's core value of "simplicity as a state of mind." |
Tempo | A musical element describing the speed of the music. It questions if the music feels like a "walk, a run, or a stroll" or has the quality of a "steady dance" or "gentle lullaby." |
Texture | A musical element describing the number of audible layers of sound, questioning if it involves a single singer, a full band, or a "sandwich" of sounds. |
Theme and Variations | A musical form mentioned in relation to Aaron Copland’s orchestral version of "Simple Gifts" in Appalachian Spring. |
