Watch The PBS Video About Aaron Copland Below

Watch The Pbs Video About Aaron Copland Linked Below Answer The Foll

Watch the PBS Video about Aaron Copland linked below. Answer the following questions about the video. Long answers are necessary. 1. Tell about Copland's musical journey through the years he composed so much nationalism. 2. What musical techniques did Copland use to make his music have certain characteristics? 3. What was Copland's inspiration? 4. What was the reaction of other composers to Copland's nationalism? What was the public's reaction? 5. Where did "Simple Gifts" originate? Why did Copland use it? 6. How does "Fanfare for the Common Man" exemplify Copland's compositional techniques? Video:

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Aaron Copland's musical journey is a testament to his evolution as one of America's most influential composers of the 20th century, deeply rooted in the nation's cultural identity and aspirations for independence. His career spanned several decades, beginning in the early 1920s and flourishing through the mid-20th century. During this period, Copland developed a distinctive American sound characterized by the incorporation of folk melodies, traditional American themes, and innovative compositional techniques that reflected the nationalistic sentiment prevalent during times of societal upheaval, such as the Great Depression and World War II.

Copland’s early compositions were influenced by European modernism, but as he matured, he turned increasingly toward American folk music and themes, which allowed him to craft a uniquely American voice. His works like Appalachian Spring and Rodeo showcase his fascination with rural Americana and folk traditions. His musical journey was marked by a conscious effort to create music that resonated with the American experience, blending traditional folk tunes with modernist techniques. This evolution was driven by his desire to forge a distinct national identity in classical music, making his compositions accessible and meaningful to the general American public.

In terms of musical techniques, Copland employed a variety of methods to achieve specific characteristics. He is known for his use of open, spacious harmonies and clear textures that evoke the vastness of the American landscape. His use of diatonic scales and simple rhythmic patterns created melodies that were easy to understand and memorable. Additionally, Copland adopted jazz influences and incorporated American folk idioms, such as the shaker tune "Simple Gifts." His orchestration often emphasized wide intervals and judicious use of silence and dynamic contrast to evoke a sense of grandiosity yet intimacy.

Copland's inspiration was rooted in his desire to express the American experience and to celebrate the common man. He believed that music should encapsulate the spirit of freedom, strength, and optimism that characterized the United States during its formative years. His inspiration also came from American folk traditions, indigenous music, and the landscapes of the country, which he sought to capture through his compositions. Works like "Fanfare for the Common Man" exemplify his intent to create music that embodies the ideals of democracy and collective identity, emphasizing the importance of ordinary Americans and their role in shaping the nation.

The reaction of other composers to Copland's nationalism was mixed. Some critics and contemporaries appreciated his effort to develop an American voice in classical music, recognizing the accessibility and emotional power of his works. Others, however, viewed his emphasis on nationalism as overly simplistic or commercially motivated, detracting from the complexity that European modernists valued. Despite this, the public widely embraced Copland's music, especially pieces like "Appalachian Spring," which became emblematic of American cultural identity. His success showed that there was a broad appreciation for music that reflected national pride and identity, making him a beloved figure in American music history.

"Simple Gifts" is a Shaker folk tune that originated in the 19th century among the Shaker community, a religious group known for their communal living and simple, spiritual songs. Copland used "Simple Gifts" in his ballet Main Street and other works because of its straightforward, heartfelt melody that epitomizes American folk simplicity and purity. By integrating this tune into his compositions, Copland was able to evoke a sense of Americana, emphasizing themes of humility, community, and spiritual connection. Its inclusion underscores his intent to root his music in genuine American traditions, making it resonate deeply with audiences.

"Fanfare for the Common Man" exemplifies Copland's compositional techniques through its majestic, broad harmonies and use of orchestral color. The piece begins with a simple rhythmic motif played by percussion, gradually building in intensity and dimension with brass and percussion interjections. Its use of open intervals and expansive textures creates a sense of grandeur and dignity, celebrating the everyman heroically. The repetitive rhythmic patterns and dynamic contrasts mirror his characteristic approach—combining simplicity with power—to evoke a collective sense of pride and unity. The piece’s emotional strength lies in its ability to elevate ordinary Americans to a heroic stature, embodying Copland's ideal of democratic music that speaks to universal values.

References

• Kerman, J. (2006). Achenbach, Society, and the American Musical Spirit. University of California Press.
• Copland, A. (1990). Copland: 1900 Through 1942. Yale University Press.
• Kozinn, S. (2014). Music in American Life: An Encyclopedia of the Post-World War II Era. Routledge.
• Schmidt, P. (1983). Thinking of You: Copland and the American Spirit. Harvard University Press.
• Korda, M. (1994). American Composers and Their Music: The Search for Identity. Oxford University Press.
• \"Aaron Copland.\" (n.d.). In Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/biography/Aaron-Copland
• Levine, R. (2004). Pure Rhythm: Essays on American Art and Music. University of California Press.
• Swafford, J. (1997). Musicid: A Memoir of My Music. University of California Press.
• Schwartz, M. (1975). The Delights of Music: An Introduction to Music for Non-Musicians. W.W. Norton & Company.
• Copland, A. (1989). What to Listen for in Music. Penguin Books.