Composer

:

Aaron Copland

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song Collection

Compose Date

:

1952

Average_duration

:

12:58

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

Aaron Copland's 'Old American Songs, Book 2' is a collection of eight songs that were composed between 1950 and 1952. The songs were premiered in 1953 by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, with Copland conducting. The songs are based on traditional American folk tunes and hymns, and they showcase Copland's unique style of blending classical and folk music. The first movement of 'Old American Songs, Book 2' is titled "The Little Horses." This song is a lullaby that features a simple melody and a gentle rhythm. The second movement is "Zion's Walls," which is a hymn that celebrates the strength and unity of the church. The third movement is "The Golden Willow Tree," which is a love song that tells the story of a young man who is separated from his lover. The fourth movement is "At the River," which is a hymn that reflects on the idea of death and the afterlife. The fifth movement is "Ching-a-Ring Chaw," which is a playful song that features a call-and-response structure. The sixth movement is "Long Time Ago," which is a love song that tells the story of a young couple who are separated by distance. The seventh movement is "I Bought Me a Cat," which is a humorous song that features a series of animal sounds. The final movement is "The Boatmen's Dance," which is a lively song that celebrates the hard work and camaraderie of the men who worked on the rivers. Overall, 'Old American Songs, Book 2' is characterized by Copland's use of simple melodies, folk rhythms, and traditional harmonies. The songs are arranged for voice and piano, and they are often performed by choirs and orchestras. The collection is a testament to Copland's ability to capture the essence of American folk music and to create works that are both accessible and sophisticated.

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