Question

Listen to Copland's Appalachian Spring.  In one paragraph or more, discuss at least three elements that you hear in the piece that reflect the character of America (think melodies, rhythms, etc). As well as answering these questions in your discussion. Do you feel like he captures the American spirit in this piece? How do you think he does it, considering the fact that he does not use lyrics to express these images? Please give some specific examples (using minute and seconds) when referring to specific passages in the piece.

Answer 1

Appalachian Spring music composed by Aron Copland gained enduring popularity among orchestral suite. In 1942 Martha Graham and Elizebath Sprague Coolidge commissioned Copland to write a ballet with American theme. The ballet decepits a wedding day celebration at Pennyslvania farmhouse.

Copland's Appalachian Spring is a typical example of American classic. The music dictates the human landscape of Pennyslvania in nineteenth centuary. When he was composing the music, Copland doesn't have the idea of Pennyslvania's geography. He was successful in establishing the culture of Pennyslvania with the help of Graham. Copland telescoped the entire wedding day events , the characters - bride and groom, a pioneer women, a revivelist preacher and his followers.

The opening of Appalachian spring is the most melodious one. This is a very slow opening which introduces sun rising in the ballet. The subtle oscillations in the clarenet and other wood wind murmurs over wide intervals are consonant and clear. This seems to be a perfect sunrise opening music. The melody takes shapes as the community gradually awake. The process of accelaration heard here is a part of Theofanidis's lineage and Pandiotonic Harmonies. (3:07) .This is a surprising and fresh upbeat all at once. Along with the inspiration from folk music, evocations of country fiddling, dancing, singing can also be heard.

The Music and the ballet dance was perfect compliments. Together they represent the youthful aspirations of American Heartland. By adding and improvising simple tonal elements of chords,Coplant was able to capture the entire emotion in his orchestral suite. The Shaker's work  "Simple Gifts" also given Copland inspiration for his composition. Throughtout the music, copland elegantly waved melodies that evoke simplicity and good nature piety.

The Appalasian spring allows the perceiver to broaden his imaginative skills. Its the magic of this music. The melody is big and expansive like a big field of flowers. The openess of the music leaves you in wide imaginative world, leaving behind the project that you have undertaken. That is the beauty of American Music