Scherzo Humoristique: The Cat and the Mouse-Aaron Copland

Performed by Emily Van Veen in 2008.
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The Cat and the Mouse by Aaron Copland (perf. 2008)
Copland was an American composer as well as an accomplished pianist and conductor who lived from 1900-1990. His most famous works include "Lincoln Portrait," "Fanfare for the Common Man," and the scores for ballets "Rodeo" and "Appalachian Spring" (choreographed by Agnes de Mille and Martha Graham, respectively). Scherzo Humoristique was composed when Copland was only twenty! Other interesting facts: Copland was openly homosexual during his life, whereas his homosexual contemporaries kept that information secret. He was also a supporter of the Communists in the 1940's and 50's, which led to his music being blacklisted during the Red Scare. "Lincoln Portrait" was written during this time for a concert for Eisenhower; it was removed from the program upon Copland's blacklisting. Ironically, it is remembered and performed today as a patriotic piece honoring our free country.
The Cat and the Mouse provides background music to an imaginary cat-and-mouse chase. This piece's dramatically changing moods keep the listener guessing who wins until the very end, which is played "in a funereal manner."

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Aaron Copland
• The Cat and the Mouse
• Scherzo Humoristique
• Piano Solo

[24Caruso]

eh, its ok i guess lol jk