A Copland Celebration Vol. 1

Read About This Recording

A Copland Celebration brings together a range of Aaron Copland's great scores, all in seminal performances and led by the composer. While composers are not always the best interpreters of their own music, this two-CD set counters that.

From the overpowering opening salvo of "Fanfare for the Common Man" this set will reveal rhythmic and melodic subtleties in Copland's great scores that you may never have noticed before. For example, in the Dance Episodes from "Rodeo" the music seems to flow more naturally than I can recall having heard it before. Along with the popular hits that are compiled on the first CD there is a sublime performance of Copland's rarely heard "Down a Country Lane." This little gem alone makes this a set worth owning, but then there is the second CD and its emotionally haunting reading of the chamber version of "Appalachian Spring." This is a gorgeous performance made only more meaningful by the recording of Copland rehearsing the work, released here for the first time on CD. This historic piece of his legacy provides insight and understanding into how Copland wanted this piece to sound.

Understanding composers is not always easy, but with Copland conducting his music these discs paint a clear picture of music's power.

—Jacob Anthony

Quotes

"The composer directs with unrivalled insight throughout." —Penguin Guide

"A welcome gathering of Copland's own performances." —Gramophone

Contents

Fanfare for the Common Man; Rodeo: Four Dance Episodes; Billy the Kid (Orchestral Suite); El Salon Mexico; Danzon Cubano; Quiet City; Down a Country Lane; Appalachian Spring (Original Chamber Version); Nonet for Strings (first CD release); Copland Rehearses Appalachian Spring (first CD release).

William Lang, Trumpet; Michael Winfield, English Horn; London Symphony Orchestra; New Philharmonia Orchestra; Columbia String Ensemble; Aaron Copland, Conductor; with the Columbia Chamber Ensemble: Broadus Erle, Marilyn Wright, Herbert Sorkin, Gerald Tarack, Jeanne Benjamin, Ani Kavafian, Violins; Harry Zaratzian, Harold Coletta, Violas; George Ricci, Jesse Levy, Cellos; Julius Levine, Double Bass; Harold Bennett, Flute; Charles Russo, Clarinet; Loren Glickman, Bassoon; Paul Jacobs, Piano.

CD Special Features

• Specially priced 2-CD set!

• First CD Release of Nonet & Copland Rehearses Appalachian Spring.