Aaron Copland - Topic

Aaron Copland's name is synonymous with American music. It was his pioneering achievement to break free from Europe and create concert music that is characteristically American. In addition to writing such well-loved works as Fanfare for the Common Man, Rodeo, and Appalachian Spring, Copland conducted, organized concerts, wrote books on music, and served as an American cultural ambassador to the world.

While studying with Nadia Boulanger in Paris, Copland became interested in incorporating popular styles into his music. Upon his return to the US, he advanced the cause of new music through lectures and writings, and organized the famed Copland-Sessions concerts.

As America entered first Depression then war, Copland began to speak to the concerns of the average citizen in those times of trouble. His intentions were fulfilled as works from Billy the Kid to Lincoln Portrait to the Pulitzer Prize-winning Appalachian Spring found both popular success and critical acclaim.

Aaron Copland was one of the most honored cultural figures in the history of the United States. The Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Kennedy Center Award, the National Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences "Oscar", and the Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany were only a few of the honors and awards he received. In 1982, the Aaron Copland School of Music was established in his honor at Queens College of the City University of New York.