Pretty Home (1849) - African American Shaker tune

A Live Performance by The Rose Ensemble
Composer: Sister Patsy Roberts Williamson
Source: Donald W. Patterson, The Shaker Spiritual
(Princeton, 1976), arr. based on a performance by the Boston
Camerata; additional verses by the Boston Camerata.
Soloist: Lisa Drew

Sister Patsy Roberts Williamson, an African American woman, was among the earliest converts to the Shaker faith in central Kentucky. Born in North Carolina in 1791, she was living in nearby Madison County in 1809 when Shaker records indicate she "believed." Since she was enslaved to the Roberts family at that time, it is unknown if this act was her choice.

Patsy and the Roberts family moved to Pleasant Hill in the fall of 1812. When the Roberts left the society in 1815, the Shakers purchased Patsy's freedom. She signed the first Church covenant of 1814 with her mark. Patsy lived in the East Family until her death in 1860.

Besides a few hymns written by Patsy, little is recorded of her special duties and activities during her long years at Pleasant Hill. This striking melody clearly defines Williamson as a composer steeped in the American spiritual tradition, while the text's earthy longing exemplifies humanity's hunger for God.

Видео Pretty Home (1849) - African American Shaker tune канала The Rose Ensemble / Rose Publications