Aaron Copland Essentials

By evoking the vastness of the American landscape—and the optimism felt by those who seek to forge their own destinies there—Aaron Copland became closely identified with the nation's midcentury spirit. Though he experimented with serial (or atonal) composition, his most familiar pieces (like Appalachian Spring) rely on tonal, flowing melody. The composer also lent his support to racial integration in classical culture by conducting African American baritone William Warfield in “Old American Songs.” Get to know this memorable populist's most enduring symphonic suites, concertos, and fanfares.