Aaron Copland (1900-1990)

Aaron Copland grew up in Brooklyn. His family was not like the families of many famous composers - they were TOTALLY unmusical. They didn't encourage him to learn any particular type of music, so he experimented with many different kinds of sounds.

Copland studied in Paris. There he learned from some very famous musicians like Nadia Boulanger and Igor Stravinsky. Since all good music at that time was thought to come from Europe, he knew that by studying there people would believe he was a really good composer.

When he came home, Copland experimented with jazz music. He didn't write jazz very long, but he did like some of the sounds so continued using jazz elements in his more classical style of music. Because of this he is considered one of the pioneers of American music, along with George Gershwin who also incorporated jazz into his classical music.

During the Great Depression of the 1930s, people found it hard to find work. The government stepped in with programs to provide jobs. Even in music the government was looking for composers who would write "art for the people." Copland wrote a series of ballets that were based on an American folk style. He also recognized that the new technologies of radio and recording would let his music reach thousands of people who would never go to a concert. At his death, his music was among that most played on radio and TV.

Three of the ballets he wrote during this time are still well known. For this concert the orchestra will be playing one of the movements from Rodeo called 'Buckaroo Holiday.'

• Billy the Kid (a ballet about a legendary western outlaw).
• Rodeo (another Wild West ballet, about a cowgirl's search for a man).
• Appalachian Spring (a ballet about the simple joys of a newly-wed couple).