Aaron Copland

Aaron Copland (November 14, 1900 – December 2, 1990) was an American composer, critic, writer, teacher, pianist, and conductor. He was referred to by his peers and critics as the "Dean of American Music." The open, slowly changing harmonies in much of his music are typical of what many consider the sound of American music, evoking the vast American landscape and pioneer spirit. He is best known for the works he wrote in the 1930s and 1940s in a deliberately accessible style often referred to as "populist" and which he called his "vernacular" style. Works in this vein include the ballets *Appalachian Spring*, *Billy the Kid*, and *Rodeo*, his *Fanfare for the Common Man*, and Third Symphony. In addition to his ballets and orchestral works, he produced music in many other genres, including chamber music, vocal works, opera, and film scores. After initial studies with Rubin Goldmark, Copland traveled to Paris, studying with Isidor Philipp, Paul Vidal, and Nadia Boulanger. Returning to the U.S., he faced financial hardship during the Great Depression, leading him to adopt a more accessible musical style. He composed prolifically, influencing generations of American musicians and establishing a distinctly American sound in classical music.