Thou singest ye carol

Aaron Copland  (1900-1990)

American Songs

Copland’s primary goal was to compose the best music he could. A quality of excellence is clearly visible in all his work, from a wide range of abstract concert music to collaborative works for radio, film, ballet and opera. He had a secondary goal: promoting American music and increasing opportunities for composers to perform. Copland has been at the heart of contemporary music activities for decades. His efforts helped establish American music on the world stage and his leadership and dedication as a ‘good citizen’ were an example for composers who came after him. His songs are less known. He only started to compose works for vocals when he was around 50 years old. In this episode of Thou singest ye carol, you can listen to his most well-known song cycles.

Playlist:

1. Aaron Copland – ‘Eight Poems of Emily Dickinson’ 1. Nature, the gentlest mother 2. There came a wind like a bugle 3. The world feels dusty 4. Heart, we will forget him 5. Dear March, come in! 6. Sleep is supposed to be 7. Going to Heaven! 8. The Chariot
   Soprano April Frederick, Orchestra of the Swan conducted by David Curtis
2. Aaron Copland – ‘Old American Songs’ (First Set) 1. “The Boatmen’s Dance” 2. “The Dodger” 3.  “Long Time Ago” 4. Simple Gifts” 5. “I Bought Me a Cat”.                                 Bariton Thomas Hampson, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra conducted by Hugh Wolff.
3. Aaron Copland – ‘Old American Songs’ (Second Set) 1. ‘The Little Horses’ 2. ‘Zion’s Walls’ 3. The Golden Willow Tree’ 4. ‘At the River’ 5. ‘Ching-a-Ring Chaw’.
   Bariton Thomas Hampson, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra conducted by Hugh Wolff.

4. Aaron Copland – 1. ‘The Old Poem’ (vert. uit Chinees Arthur Waley) 2. ‘Poet’s Song’ (E.E.Cummings) .
   Soprano Roberta Alexander and pianist Roger Vignoles.

Leonard Bernstein and Aaron Copland during the rehearsal for the world première of Copland’s Connotations, Philharmonic Hall, 1962. Thanks to the New York Philharmonic Leon Levy Digital Archives. (Picture: Bert Bial)

Info: https://www.aaroncopland.com