Shaker Dance and Lament [Alf:00-22327S]

Two contrasting Shaker melodies provide the framework for this piece, which alternates between 6/8 and cut time. The first, Followers of the Lamb, was written by Sister Clarissa Jacobs (1833-1905). According to the Shaker Community of Sabbathday Lake, Maine, this lively song is often used to introduce a gift of joy. The second melody is "Father James's Song," a wordless tune, composed by Father James Whittaker (1751-1787) after he had endured one of many episodes of persecution. This piece is the opening movement of Tapestry: A New England Suite for String Orchestra.