Aaron Copland, considered to be one of America’s finest composers, was instrumental in developing the distinctive American sound. Labelled in his later years as “Dean of American Composers”, his works revolve around American folklore, jazz, the American landscape, the pioneer life, and the country’s spirit. He sought to create accessible music, meaning music all could enjoy, which earned his musical style the moniker of “populist”. No doubt you’ve heard his music before sometime in your life, more than likely from commercials, which is quite telling of the American-ness of the compositions to still be identified as something that is ours and one that marketing experts believe our national audience recognizes, perhaps unconsciously, as something uniquely American.
I have chosen an album that is a collection of some of his greatest works. My personal favorites are Appalachian Spring and “Hoe-down”, the fifth movement of Rodeo.
Listen: