Air and Simple Gifts

"Air and Simple Gifts" is a captivating musical quartet composed and arranged by the renowned American composer John Williams. This enchanting piece was specifically crafted for a historic moment—the inauguration of Barack Obama on January 20, 2009. The quartet is a beautiful variation on the well-known 19th-century Shaker hymn "Simple Gifts" by Joseph Brackett, performed by an ensemble of extraordinary musicians including the legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Joining Ma are the virtuoso violinist Itzhak Perlman, the acclaimed pianist Gabriela Montero, and the talented clarinetist Anthony McGill. This collaboration brings together a rich tapestry of musical talent, creating a performance that is both timeless and deeply moving. The piece is available in various formats, including sheet music and digital recordings, allowing fans to enjoy and even perform this iconic work themselves.