Aaron Copland - Themes from Our Town and The Red Pony

[JackKarolewski]

Such yearning...

[massenga]

I love both of these scores. Aaron Copland is the quintessential American composer. These pieces, like "Appalachian Spring" make terrific Thanksgiving music (the quintessential American holiday). Thanks so much for posting them!

[spacepatrolman]

@massenga 2:48 Photo by gordon parks he went to the new york institute of photography won the pulitzer prize for photogaraphy directed shaft and the learning tree aaron copland wont he pulitzer prize for music for appalachian spring

[dsindc]

I think it is important to remind one and all tha Aaron was not only an incredible composer, the greatest of all American composers, but that he was a GAY composer. Before the Tea Party steals his music, I hope this is recognized. It's as well documented as anything. As a gay person, I am amazed at the gifts my people have given this country - Copland, Barber, Bernstein, Ned Roram, and many more. This appears to be the case everywhere. Copland makes me proud. As an American, and a gay person.

[JayMaySayHey]

@dsindc Why must you interject politics and politicized sexual preference into an otherwise straightforward presentation of music that transcends the boundaries you seek to mark through your personal viewpoint tags? Yours are opinions and life choices that one doesn't necessarily have to share in order to enjoy Copland's music. Being gay and a musician or composer is fine (e.g. Michael Tilson Thomas) but it isn't why we listen to the beauty of a gay person’s musical composition or performance.

[dsindc]

@JayMaySayHey First, I think that's a fair question. I think every musicologist looks at the artist's psychology and life story in trying to better understand their art. We seem to know something about virtually every musician, artist, architect, etc. How can we really understand Walt Whitman's poetry without knowing that he was gay? Next, because I think it is important that people know of the contributions of a people who have been demonized for so long. But there's more (cont)

[JayMaySayHey]

@dsindc Your user ID is friend-locked so please friend me so I may reply to you personally as I don't believe publically hosted discussions here heighten or deepen the pleasure or meaning of the music (at least to those who simply want to listen, i.e. the majority of YouTube subscribers). Many thanks.

[dsindc]

@JayMaySayHey OK done.

[dsindc]

@JayMaySayHey I take issue with your last comment. You may in fact be listening to the music of Copland, or Virgil Thompson, or Tchaikovsky because they were gay. Why has such a small group produced so much incredible art? Is there a connection? What is it that makes gays - as reflected in their stereotype, so creative? One last thing, the point I was making is that I find it disgusting to see a political group co-opt the music written by the people they demonize. It does matter.

[7927jackpark]

@ah123223: "Baby simple" was a term Aaron used in describing his work for young music students, "Down A Country Lane". I saw the great man conduct the National Symphony at the Kennedy Center on his 80th birthday. Seventh row orchestra section, aisle seat. Jimmy Carter was in his Presidential box, arriving late. Bernstein also conducted that night. Truly a great night in music history.

[spacepatrolman]

@7927jackpark I think nhe used the term baby simple for our town too the red pony has a few recorded versions i wouldnt call it simple neither was simple gifts

[pooncetacular]

Yes, indeed, youtubesucks -- but I'm happy to find this here. Copland is my hero, and these are the two best film scores I have ever heard. (And nope, no one orchestrated these other than Copland himself, America's only major composer.) Thanks for posting.

I should mention that I once owned the painting that you use as the last image for this posting. In 1993 I donated it to the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College. When it hung in my home, my children called it "Uncle Aaron."

[JayMaySayHey]

@pooncetacular I think "Uncle Aaron" would be proud and touched you donated a painting worth a lot of money to not just any charity but to Copland's School of Music where students will be reminded the kindly man in the easy chair was one of America's (and the world's) finest composers.

[rubisco1981]

Aren't both pieces orchestrated by Jerome Moross, or was it only the first one?

[TheDavid2222]

wow! Aaron Copland will be remembered as a hero of American music for as long as there is music!

[ah123223]

This is possibly the most incredible piece of music ever composed!

[spacepatrolman]

@ah123223 He said it was baby simple but thats all you need

[joeyjazz54]

Something stirs in me when I hear Our Town. Thanks

[Mio248]

You made my day, utubesucks2003 =)

[Marvelouscortex]

Best musical version, to date, of Copland's "Our Town" on You Tube. Fine tribute to the composer.