Aaron Copland

Date of Birth: November 14, 1900

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: December 2, 1990

Biography

Aaron Copland was an American composer, teacher, writer, and conductor, often referred to as “the Dean of American Composers.” Born in Brooklyn, New York, he became one of the most important figures in American music, known for his distinctive style that combined classical music traditions with elements of American folk music. Copland’s compositions are noted for their clarity, lyricism, and innovative use of rhythms and harmonies. He studied in Paris with the renowned teacher Nadia Boulanger, where he absorbed various influences that would shape his unique musical voice. Copland’s works include ballets like “Appalachian Spring,” “Rodeo,” and “Billy the Kid,” as well as orchestral pieces such as “Fanfare for the Common Man” and the “Third Symphony.” His music often evokes the vast landscapes and pioneering spirit of America. Besides composing, Copland was a prolific writer and lecturer on music, contributing significantly to the understanding and appreciation of contemporary music. He also played a crucial role in supporting young American composers through his involvement in organizations like the American Composers Alliance and the American Music Center. Copland received numerous honors throughout his career, including the Pulitzer Prize for Music, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and an Academy Award for his film score for “The Heiress.” He continued to influence the world of music until his death in 1990.

5 Interesting Facts about Aaron Copland

1. Aaron Copland was the first American composer to study with Nadia Boulanger in Paris.

2. His ballet “Appalachian Spring” won the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1945.

3. Copland was an outspoken advocate for the use of American themes in classical music.

4. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964.

5. Copland was also a notable conductor and recorded many of his own works.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Aaron Copland

1. “To stop the flow of music would be like the stopping of time itself, incredible and inconceivable.”

2. “So long as the human spirit thrives on this planet, music in some living form will accompany and sustain it and give it expressive meaning.”

3. “Inspiration may be a form of super-consciousness, or perhaps of subconsciousness—I wouldn’t know. But I am sure it is the antithesis of self-consciousness.”

4. “You compose because you want to somehow summarize in some permanent form your most basic feelings about being alive, to set down some sort of permanent statement about the way it feels to live now, today.”

5. “The whole problem can be stated quite simply by asking, ‘Is there a meaning to music?’ My answer would be, ‘Yes.’ And ‘Can you state in so many words what the meaning is?’ My answer to that would be, ‘No.’”