Aaron Copland Born- November 14, 1900 Died- December 2, 1990
About the Composer He wrote pieces American in character Used folklore, hymns, cowboys and folk songs in his music.
Appalachian Spring (1944) Ballet Commissioned piece Won the 1945 Pulitzer Prize About a spring celebration of American pioneers of the 1800’s after building a new farmhouse in Pennsylvania Include variations of a Shaker Tune (Simple Gifts)
Rodeo (1942) Ballet Tale of a ranch wedding Originally titled Four Dance Episodes –Buckaroo Holiday –Corral Nocturne –Saturday Night Waltz –Hoe-Down (used for beef commercials)
Lincoln Portrait (1942) Orchestral piece Narrated with excerpts of Abraham Lincoln’s great documents including the Gettysburg Address During the WWII patriotic war effort
Billy the Kid Ballet Follows the life of Billy the Kid