| Contents |
The background, childhood, and early music study of Aaron Copland -- Brooklyn (1900-1917) -- The years of study with Goldmark -- Manhattan (1917-1921) -- The years of study in Paris with Nadia Boulanger and other European influences (1921-1924) -- First style period (French-jazz) -- New York, Boston, Peterborough, Europe, the American West (1924-1929) -- Second style period (abstract) -- America, Europe, Africa, Mexico (1929-1935) -- Third style period (American folksong) (1924-1925) -- Third style period (American folksong) -- Gebrauchsmusik American style: music for American youth -- Exotic travel souvenirs -- Radio commissions (1935-1944) -- Third style period (American folksong) -- Gebrauchsmusik American style: theater works: ballets -- Music for plays and films -- Opera (1931-1955) -- Third style period (American folksong) -- The patriotic and absolute works (1939-1955) -- Critical works and influence (1924-1955) -- Addendum. "Pointillism" applied to music. |
| Abstract |
Aaron Copland is recognized as a giant among twentieth century composers. In this book, the author has combined a wealth of biographical information with an illuminating study of Copland's music and writings to form an indispensable study of the composer's place in contemporary music. The first chapter traces Aaron Copland's early years and music studies from his birth in Brooklyn in 1900 up to 1917; the years of study with Rubin Goldmark at the Julliard School of Music and with Nadia Boulanger in France follow. Then come periods in Boston, New York the Peterborough Colony, Europe again and in the American West, where Copland experienced wider manifestations of American life. In 1929 he reaches the period of his second style, an abstract one, when he was again in Europe and then Africa and Mexico. From 1934 his third "style period" dates up to the present and this is the Copland as we know him today, composer of occasional music, large "absolute" scores, ballets, music for plays and films, and opera as well as the patriotic and musical pieces based on American folksong themes. At 11 Copland began the study of piano with his sister. By the age of 16 he had definitely decided to become a composer and wherever he has lived he has worked. His output has been large and in her presentation of the technical side of his music the author by the use of musical excerpts and analysis gives a full and chronological view of each step of his development. She also includes three valuable appendices, a complete list of his musical works, a list of recordings, and a chronological listing of his critical writings. |
| Bibliography note | "List of musical works": pages 299-311; "List of recordings": pages 312-318; "Critical works": pages 319-322. |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references (pages 323-328) and index. |
| LCCN | 55009659 |
