Aaron Copland
Aaron Copland: A Pioneer of American Music
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Aaron Copland was born as Aaron Joel Copland on November 14, 1900, in Brooklyn, New York. He is often referred to by his first name alone.
#### Birth and Death Dates
November 14, 1900 – December 2, 1990
#### Nationality and Profession(s)
American composer, pianist, and music educator
Aaron Copland was a leading figure in American classical music, known for his contributions to the development of an American sound. He composed works that reflected the country's unique cultural heritage and regional characteristics.
#### Early Life and Background
Copland grew up in a family with strong musical inclinations. His father, Lionel, was a successful businessman who supported Aaron's early interest in music. Copland began taking piano lessons at the age of eight and continued to study music throughout his childhood. He attended the New York Institute for Musical Art (now Juilliard School) before pursuing further studies at the American Conservatory in Fontainebleau, France.
#### Major Accomplishments
Copland's innovative approach to music composition revolutionized the American classical music scene. His contributions include:
Development of an American sound: Copland sought to create a distinctly American musical style that reflected the country's unique cultural and geographical characteristics.
Experimentation with folk music influences: He incorporated elements from traditional American folk music into his compositions, making them more relatable and accessible to audiences.
Collaborations with notable choreographers: Copland worked closely with renowned choreographers such as Martha Graham, creating iconic ballet scores that showcased his ability to craft memorable melodies.
#### Notable Works or Actions
Some of Copland's most celebrated works include:
"Appalachian Spring" (1944): A symphonic suite inspired by the folk music of Appalachia, which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1945.
"Rodeo" (1942): A ballet score that captured the essence of American rodeos and cowboys.
"Fanfare for the Common Man" (1942): A majestic work written to celebrate the common man's spirit, often performed at official events.
#### Impact and Legacy
Copland's impact on American music is undeniable. He helped establish a unique national style that continues to inspire generations of composers and musicians. His legacy can be seen in:
Promoting American culture: Through his music, Copland showcased the country's rich cultural heritage and encouraged audiences to explore its diverse traditions.
Advancing musical innovation: By experimenting with folk music influences and other innovative techniques, Copland pushed the boundaries of classical composition.
#### Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Aaron Copland's quotes and works are frequently referenced due to his:
Visionary approach: His commitment to creating a distinctly American sound paved the way for future generations of composers.
Timeless compositions: His music continues to captivate audiences with its unique blend of folk influences, modernist experimentation, and emotional depth.
Quotes by Aaron Copland
Aaron Copland's insights on:
You compose because you want to somehow summarize in some permanent form your most basic feelings about being alive, to set down... some sort of permanent statement about the way it feels to live now, today.
Inspiration may be a form of super-consciousness, or perhaps of subconsciousness I wouldn't know. But I am sure it is the antithesis of self-consciousness.
The fearsome critic and not-very-tough composer Virgil Thomson once drew up a set of rules for hearing an unfamiliar work; the last of those is the question I take with me to every new-music event: “Is this just a good piece of clockwork, or does it actually tell time?
Every symphony, for example, is a sonata for orchestra; every string quartet is a sonata for four strings; every concerto a sonata for a solo instrument and orchestra.
You may be sitting in a room reading this book. Imagine one note struck upon the piano. Immediately that one note is enough to change the atmosphere of the room – proving that the sound element in music is a powerful and mysterious agent, which it would be foolish to deride or belittle.
I hope my recordings of my own works won’t inhibit other people’s performances. The brutal fact is that one doesn’t always get the exact tempo one wants, although one improves with experience.
The whole problem can be stated quite simply by asking “Is there a meaning to music?” My answer would be, “Yes”, And “Can you state in so many words what the meaning is?” My answer to that would be “No.”
You may feel depressed, but it can’t be so depressing that you can’t move. No, I would say that people create in moments when they are elated about expressing their depression!
Inspiration may be a form of superconsciousness, or perhaps of subconsciousness – I wouldn’t know. But I am sure it is the antithesis of self-consciousness.