Aaron Copland Artistfacts

November 14, 1900 – December 2, 1990
Aaron Copland is renowned as a 20th-century American composer who created a uniquely American sound in classical music. His works, such as "Fanfare For The Common Man" and "Appalachian Spring," made orchestral music accessible and resonant with ordinary people.
At just 11 years old, Copland wrote his first notated music for an opera he dreamed up called "Zenatello." His youthful imagination was already hinting at the storytelling genius he'd later exhibit in ballets like Billy the Kid and Rodeo.
Despite his serious demeanor as a composer, Copland enjoyed hearing gossip about the music world. Even in his later years, he eagerly asked visitors about young composers and emerging musical trends.
Copland sometimes injected humor into his music. In "The Cat and the Mouse" (1920), he depicted a playful chase with whimsical, animated melodies, showcasing his ability to make listeners smile.
Copland often joked about his frugality, a trait he attributed to his shopkeeper parents. When teased by friends, he'd say with a smile, "What do you expect from the son of shopkeepers?"
Copland's everyday language was peppered with old-fashioned exclamations like "Holy Moses!" and "golly," which revealed a charmingly unpretentious side to his personality.
While many associate Copland with Americana, his interest in folk traditions wasn't limited to the US. His tone poem "El Salón México" (1936) creatively integrated Mexican folk songs, showing his international curiosity.
Copland's score for The Heiress (1949) won him an Academy Award, but his contributions to Hollywood weren't just about accolades - his music profoundly influenced how American stories were told on screen.
Commissioned by conductor Eugene Goossens in 1942, "Fanfare For The Common Man" wasn't just about grandeur; it embodied Copland's belief that orchestral music should "extend an arm" to everyday people.
Though briefly scrutinized for his leftist sympathies during the McCarthy era, Copland managed to avoid lasting professional harm, a testament to his widespread respect in the music world.
In 1960, Copland purchased a six-room prairie-style house in Cortlandt Manor, New York, called Rock Hill. It became his sanctuary for creativity and remains a National Historic Landmark, celebrating his legacy in American music.
In the mid-1980s, Copland began experiencing short-term memory issues, a precursor to his Alzheimer's diagnosis. Yet he continued to inspire through his music and writing, showing resilience to the end. Sources: Aaron Copland: The Man Behind The Music,
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