Aaron Copland

2010-08-16T23:32:30Z

GustavMahler:

'''Aaron Copland''' (1900-1990) was an American classical music composer, much of whose music is the most identifiably “American” of twentieth century composers.

Copland, from [[Brooklyn]], NY, studied with Carl Goldmark before traveling to Paris to work for 3 years under Nadia Boulanger. Back in New York and composing, his music into the 1930s showed traces of the contemporary [[Europe]]an style interspersed with jazz and bursts of grandness; however his [[America]]nism became suddenly apparent in 1940 with the first of his “cowboy ballets": “Billy the Kid”, followed by “Rodeo” two years later. His “Appalachian Spring”, first performed in 1944, and featuring variations on the Shaker hymn known as “Simple Gifts”, and danced by [[Martha Graham]]’s company, showed a mature talent for melody and sensitivity of touch. Other “Americana” works include “Lincoln Portrait” for speaker and orchestra, and two sets of Old American Songs - the delight of every baritone. His “Fanfare for the Common Man”, which he used as part of his Third Symphony, opened the 1984 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

He wrote a number of film scores, including “The Red Pony”, two operas, three symphonies, various other works for orchestra, songs, piano music and some highly distinctive chamber music. His Clarinet Concerto, written for the jazz player, Benny Goodman, is a concert favorite.

Though popular throughout the course of his life, Copland experienced much hardship for his personal beliefs, falling prey to the [[Red Scare]] for his support of Henry A. Wallace -- a Progressive politician. Though he was blacklisted, his friends rose up in his defense, arguing that the music maintained a love of [[America]] that was beyond political frontiers. He later forsook his Socialist tendencies for their censorship and persecution of artists, such as [[Shostakovitch]], instead choosing to support the Democratic ticket for the rest of his life.

Copland was also known as a conductor, pianist, teacher and the author of several books.

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[[Category: Composers]]

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Aaron Copland