Aaron Copland

Aaron Copland (1900–1990) was an influential American composer whose works captured the spirit of American life, blending classical techniques with folk traditions. Known as the "Dean of American Composers," Copland wrote music that was accessible and evocative, often incorporating folk songs and American themes to create works with a distinctively nationalistic character. His music is characterized by open harmonies, clear melodies, and an innovative use of rhythm and orchestration.

### Key Contributions:

1. **Ballets**:

   - **Appalachian Spring** (1944): Originally scored for a chamber ensemble and choreographed by Martha Graham, this ballet depicts a pioneer couple in rural Pennsylvania. It features variations on the Shaker hymn *Simple Gifts* and celebrates themes of community and optimism.

   - **Rodeo** (1942): A collaboration with choreographer Agnes de Mille, this ballet includes well-known sections like *Saturday Night Waltz* and *Hoe-Down*, which uses the folk tune *Bonaparte’s Retreat*.

   - **Billy the Kid** (1938): A ballet about the life of the outlaw Billy the Kid, incorporating folk songs and depicting the American West.

   - **Grohg** (1922–25): A ballet inspired by *Nosferatu* about a necromancer, which Copland later adapted into *Dance Symphony*.

2. **Fanfare for the Common Man** (1942): A short work for brass and percussion written during World War II, inspired by a speech by Vice President Henry A. Wallace. The piece has become a patriotic symbol and is often performed at significant national events.

3. **Orchestral and Vocal Works**:

   - **A Lincoln Portrait** (1942): Combines orchestral music with narration, featuring excerpts from the Gettysburg Address and Lincoln’s speeches.

   - **Clarinet Concerto** (1947–48): Commissioned by jazz clarinetist Benny Goodman, it combines a lyrical first movement with a jazzy second movement.

4. **Other Major Works**:

   - **El Salón México** (1936): A tone poem inspired by Mexican folk music, reflecting Copland's interest in Latin American themes.

   - **Third Symphony** (1946): Often regarded as Copland's most significant orchestral work, it incorporates *Fanfare for the Common Man* into its final movement.

5. **Pedagogy and Writing**:

   - Copland was a teacher, conductor, and author of the influential book *What to Listen for in Music*, which introduced audiences to understanding and appreciating music.

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### Common Clues in Quiz Bowl Questions about Aaron Copland:

1. **Use of the Shaker Hymn "Simple Gifts" in Appalachian Spring** (Frequent): This is one of Copland’s most iconic musical moments, often cited in relation to the ballet.

2. **Fanfare for the Common Man** (Frequent): Frequently mentioned for its patriotic and powerful use of brass and percussion.

3. **Rodeo and "Hoe-Down"** (Frequent): Known for its lively rhythms and incorporation of the folk tune *Bonaparte's Retreat*.

4. **Ballets Choreographed by Martha Graham** (Moderate): *Appalachian Spring* is a prominent example of their collaboration.

5. **Western American Themes in Billy the Kid and Rodeo** (Moderate): Often referenced in connection to Copland’s use of cowboy songs and frontier imagery.

6. **A Lincoln Portrait with Narration from the Gettysburg Address** (Moderate): Frequently noted for its patriotic and historical significance.

7. **Study with Nadia Boulanger** (Moderate): Copland’s time in Paris with Boulanger significantly influenced his compositional style.

8. **El Salón México and Latin American Folk Music** (Moderate): This work often appears in questions highlighting Copland's interest in international influences.

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### Related Quiz Bowl Facts with Fill-in-the-Blank Practice:

1. Copland used the Shaker hymn ___1___ in his ballet *Appalachian Spring*.  

2. *Fanfare for the Common Man* was inspired by a speech by Vice President ___2___ A. Wallace.  

3. Copland’s ballet *Rodeo* includes the section ___3___, which features the folk tune *Bonaparte’s Retreat*.  

4. Copland collaborated with choreographer ___4___ Graham on *Appalachian Spring*.  

5. The narrator recites lines from the ___5___ Address in Copland’s *A Lincoln Portrait*.  

6. Copland studied in Paris with the teacher ___6___ Boulanger, who influenced his style.  

7. The tone poem ___7___ draws on Mexican folk songs such as *El Palo Verde*.  

8. The clarinet concerto by Copland was commissioned by jazz musician ___8___ Goodman.  

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### Answers:

1. *Simple Gifts*  

2. Henry  

3. *Hoe-Down*  

4. Martha  

5. Gettysburg  

6. Nadia  

7. *El Salón México*  

8. Benny  

### Frequency Analysis of Clues, References, or Plot Lines:

1. **Inclusion of "Simple Gifts" in *Appalachian Spring*** – 30 occurrences: The Shaker hymn serves as the basis for the ballet's iconic variations and themes.

2. **Ballet *Appalachian Spring*** – 28 occurrences: Celebrates pioneer life with music choreographed by Martha Graham, prominently featuring "Simple Gifts."

3. **Ballet *Rodeo*** – 26 occurrences: Features sections like "Hoe-Down" and "Saturday Night Waltz" and depicts a Western-themed story with a Cowgirl and Roper.

4. **Fanfare for the Common Man** – 25 occurrences: A patriotic brass and percussion work inspired by Henry Wallace’s speech, later integrated into Copland's Third Symphony.

5. **Ballet *Billy the Kid*** – 21 occurrences: Depicts the life of the outlaw Billy the Kid, including themes from American folk music.

6. **Clarinet Concerto for Benny Goodman** – 15 occurrences: A two-movement work linked by a cadenza and featuring jazz and Latin American elements.

7. ***A Lincoln Portrait*** – 14 occurrences: Combines narration of excerpts from Lincoln's speeches with orchestral music, including folk tunes like "Camptown Races."

8. ***El Salón México*** – 13 occurrences: Inspired by Mexican folk songs like "El Palo Verde," this tone poem showcases Copland's use of regional influences.

9. **Copland’s collaboration with Martha Graham** – 12 occurrences: Most notably for *Appalachian Spring*, which was choreographed by Graham.

10. **"Hoe-Down" from *Rodeo*** – 12 occurrences: A lively dance movement quoting the folk tune "Bonaparte’s Retreat," famously used in commercials.

11. **Influence of folk and cowboy tunes** – 11 occurrences: Highlighted in works like *Rodeo*, *Billy the Kid*, and *A Lincoln Portrait*.

12. **Quiet City** – 7 occurrences: A work for trumpet, English horn, and strings, depicting urban solitude and introspection.

13. **Isamu Noguchi’s set design for *Appalachian Spring*** – 7 occurrences: Includes minimalist features like a rocking chair and house frame.

14. **Use of Latin American themes in *El Salón México*** – 6 occurrences: Demonstrates Copland's engagement with Mexican musical traditions.

15. **"Bonaparte’s Retreat" in *Rodeo*** – 6 occurrences: A folk tune forming the basis of the "Hoe-Down" movement. 

16. **Martha Graham’s choreography for *Appalachian Spring*** – 5 occurrences: Integral to the ballet's success, which became a defining work of American modern dance.