Other music traditions in
18th Century America - Shakers
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The Shakers were a sect
that originated mid-18th century; began with Quakers, joined by Anna Lee in
1758; she became driving force in movement. She had visions, spoke in tongues,
etc. They believed end of world
(2nd coming) was imminent; Ňkept their house in orderÓ for the coming of
God. Lived very simply, liked to
be self-sufficient.
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They lived communally
and in celibacy. There were Shaker
settlements in New York, Mass, NH, Conn, Maine, later (and short-lived) in KY,
OH, IN
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Their name originates
from a religious dance ritual which looks like shaking
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Because of their
celibacy, they didnŐt generate any new believers by usual methods; they
depended on converts; there were also orphans taken in
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Shaker music
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unaccompanied, simple
melodies
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lyrics often about
simplicity of life; sometimes about dance movements that went with song; song
and dance were inseparable, part of worship along with speaking in tongues,
having religious visions, and giving prophecies.
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Shakers are often
described as innocent, naive, child-like. Most famous song is Simple Gifts,
lyrics combine ideals of religion and descriptions of dance movements