Composer

:

Shaker Traditional

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

1:18

"Love Is Little" is a traditional Shaker song that was composed in the 19th century. The exact date of its composition is unknown, but it is believed to have been written sometime in the mid-1800s. The song was originally performed by the Shakers, a religious sect that was founded in the United States in the late 18th century. The song has a simple, yet beautiful melody that is characterized by its use of harmonies and unison singing. It is typically performed a cappella, with no instrumental accompaniment. The lyrics of the song are also simple, yet powerful, and speak to the Shaker belief in the importance of love and community. "Love Is Little" is typically performed in three movements, with each movement building on the previous one. The first movement is slow and contemplative, with the singers repeating the phrase "Love is little" over and over again. The second movement is more upbeat and features a call-and-response structure, with one group of singers calling out "Love is little" and another group responding with "But oh, how it grows." The final movement is the most energetic of the three, with the singers repeating the phrase "Love is little, but oh, how it grows" over and over again, building to a powerful climax. Overall, "Love Is Little" is a beautiful and moving piece of music that speaks to the importance of love and community in the Shaker tradition. Its simple melody and powerful lyrics have made it a beloved piece of music that is still performed by choirs and vocal groups around the world today.

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