Aaron Copland

Aaron Copland: An Overview

  • Aaron Copland was a prominent American composer born in 1900.
  • He was a part of the Modernist movement, which shaped the Western Classical Tradition since 1910.
  • Known as the “Dean of American Composers”, his works played a crucial role in defining a uniquely American style of composition.

Education and Early Life

  • Copland was born to a Jewish family in Brooklyn, New York.
  • He learned to play the piano from his sister at a young age.
  • Copland went to France at 21 to study music under Nadia Boulanger, which heavily influenced his work.

Influences

  • Fluent in numerous musical languages, Copland’s style was influenced by jazz, folk, and classical music.
  • His time in Paris introduced him to the works of Igor Stravinsky and other contemporary composers, providing a radical shift in his musical approach.
  • Copland was also deeply influenced by the social and political happenings of his time, which can be seen across his various compositions.

Signature Works

  • Copland’s most known composition, “Appalachian Spring”, won him a Pulitzer Prize in 1945. It was originally a ballet score that became popular as an orchestral suite.
  • Other notable works include “Fanfare for the Common Man”, “Rodeo”, and “Billy the Kid”.
  • His musical language is characterised by its rhythmic vigour, clear harmonies, and melodic simplicity, embodying American spirit and landscapes.

Copland’s Contribution to Music

  • Aside from composing, Copland was a teacher, author, conductor, and critic who influenced the course of musical history.
  • He was instrumental in fostering a sense of community among composers and promoting American music both nationally and internationally.
  • His scores for film and ballet brought serious music into popular realms.

Later life and Legacy

  • In his later years, Copland embraced serial techniques which marked a departure from his popular style.
  • He passed away in 1990 but his works continue to be performed and highly valued.
  • His compositions laid a foundation for American music and continue to have a significant impact on the Western Classical Tradition.