Aaron Copland (COPE-land)
Born November 14, 1900 in Brooklyn, New York
Died December 2, 1990
Nationality: American
Period/Style: Modern
About the composer:
Aaron Copland was of Russian Jewish descent. His father changed the family name from Kaplan to Copland before he emigrated to the United States. Aaron grew up in an apartment upstairs from his dad’s shop. In his neighborhood there were families of all religions, colors and ethnic backgrounds. He loved hanging out with the other kids on the block, but when they played ball in the streets he preferred to sit and watch. He was a thoughtful boy with good judgement and common sense, and his friends depended on him for guidance and advice. Aaron always loved music. He took piano lessons from his sister, and in just a few months it was clear that he had talent. He became interested in conducting and composing, and began attending concerts whenever he could so he could hear great music and learn more about it. He went on to study with some of the finest teachers in the world. Today Copland is known as one of our greatest American composers.
About the music:
Appalachian Spring (20-30 min)
This is music for a ballet that Copland wrote for Martha Graham, who was perhaps the greatest dancer and choreographer of all time. The story of the ballet is acted out on stage by the dancers, and the orchestra plays the music that goes along with the story. It’s about a young pioneer couple in the early 19th Century. The bride and her farmer-husband build a new farmhouse in the Pennsylvania hill country. They look ahead to their new life together with hope, joy and a bit of fear. We hear music that depicts the old neighbors, music that sounds like country fiddlers and square dancing, and music that expresses many different emotions. Toward the end we hear a Shaker tune called “Simple Gifts.” The ballet ends quietly and serenely.
Suggested activities:
Find out how to square dance!
Who were the Shakers?
What is a choreographer? Where might a choreographer be needed?