Venture into the captivating world of Aaron Copland, an innovative American composer hailed as the trailblazer of the now-revered American orchestral music tradition, earning him the distinguished title of the 'Dean of American Composers.' Boasting a remarkable portfolio of over a hundred and fifty compositions, Copland's influence extended beyond his musical creations as he established himself as a celebrated educator and conductor.
Born on November 14, 1900, in Brooklyn, New York, Aaron Copland's roots can be traced back to Russian immigrants. His mother, an accomplished vocalist and pianist, had a profound impact on his musical upbringing. She ensured that all her children received musical training, with Copland, the youngest of his siblings, benefiting from the guidance of his sister, who introduced him to the enchanting world of piano and opera libretti. Remarkably, at the tender age of eleven, Copland composed his seven-bar musical piece, a testament to his prodigious talent. His musical journey took a significant step forward when he commenced piano lessons under the tutelage of Leopold Wolfsohn, a local piano teacher. Copland's passion for composition deepened as he delved into music theory courses under Rubin Goldmark. At that moment, Copland crystallized his dream of becoming a composer, a determination that led him to the renowned Fountainebleau School of Music in Paris, where he further immersed himself in the coveted Germanic-European musical style, embarking on this educational journey at the age of twenty-one.
Upon completing his musical education, Copland returned to the United States in 1925, eager to contribute to the world of music through writing, teaching, and lecture recitals. In his quest to democratize music and make it accessible to a broader audience, Copland founded the Young Composer's Group. He sought to challenge the notion that music was reserved solely for the elite. His encounter with the Modern Art Promoter Alfred Stieglitz proved to be a pivotal moment in his career. Stieglitz's influence, along with that of other contemporary artists, inspired Copland and his peers to reflect the essence of American democracy in their artistic endeavors.
Motivated and energized, Copland, along with Roger Sessions, Roy Harris, Virgil Thomson, and Walter Piston, established the legendary 'Commando Unit.' This collective embarked on creating notable compositions during the challenging times of the Great Depression. Among their remarkable works, 'The Young Pioneers,' 'The Second Hurricane,' and 'The Short Symphony' stood out. Their music was rooted in the concept of 'music for use,' a German idea that exemplified music's role in portraying the American way of life. Copland's talents extended to scoring radio broadcasts, theatre performances, and even Hollywood films. Notable successes include his scores for 'Of Mice and Men' and 'Our Town.' During World War II, he composed thematic pieces that resonated with the era's spirit.
Copland's crowning achievement came in 1942 with the creation of the iconic 'Fanfare for the Common Man' and the patriotic 'Lincoln Portrait.' Throughout his illustrious career, Copland embarked on extensive travels, collaborating with artists from diverse cultures. A decade-long partnership with Japanese composer Tōru Takemitsu and a close friendship with Mexican maestro Carlos Chávez profoundly influenced Copland's understanding of the twelve-tone method of composition. As his career evolved, Copland ventured into conducting, adding yet another dimension to his artistic repertoire.
Tragically, Aaron Copland succumbed to Alzheimer's disease in 1990. His legacy endures through the Aaron Copland Fund for Music and the Aaron Copland School of Music at the City University of New York (CUNY). His contributions to film scores, including 'The Heiress' and 'The Red Pony,' as well as ballet compositions like 'Rodeo' and 'Appalachian Spring,' solidify his lasting impact on the world of music. The accolades he amassed, such as the Academy Award for 'The Heiress' in 1950 and a Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1945, underscore his exceptional talent and dedication. In 1964, President Lyndon Johnson honored him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his outstanding patriotic works, cementing his position as a true musical luminary.