Two of the 20th century’s most popular orchestral works are based on hymns—one from 16th century England, and the other from 19th century America. And both hymns are well-known today almost entirely because of their use in those two concert pieces.
In this hour, the story of the Tudor hymn that inspired Vaughan Williams Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis—and the Shaker tune “Simple Gifts,” rediscovered by Aaron Copland and made famous in perhaps his best-known work, Appalachian Spring.
