Copland on Music.

COPLAND, Aaron.

$750.00

Item Number: 118362

New York: Doubleday & Company, Inc, 1960.

First edition of this work by the “Dean of American composers.” Octavo, original cloth. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper, “To Alden, who really loves music, Aaron Nov 1960.” With an autographed letter signed to the same recipients by Copland on his letterhead which reads, “Dear Alden and Rolf: What a pleasant surprise to get your Encyclopedia for my birthday! Many thanks. It is full of nostalgic memories for me, especially of my student days in the teens, and those exciting twenties. Where on earth did you find such a book?? All best to you both Aaron.”  With the envelope written in Copland’s hand and his printed address. Near fine in a near fine dust jacket. Jacket design by Ronald Clyne. Jacket photograph by Constantine Manos.

Aaron Copland was a composer, composition teacher, writer, and later a conductor of his own and other American music. Copland was referred to by his peers and critics as "the Dean of American Composers". The open, slowly changing harmonies in much of his music are typical of what many people consider to be 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 the composer labeled 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.