Composer

:

Aaron Copland

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Miscellaneous

Compose Date

:

1942

Average_duration

:

14:48

Aaron Copland's "Lincoln Portrait" is a musical composition that was composed in 1942. It was commissioned by conductor Andre Kostelanetz and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. The piece was premiered on May 14, 1942, with actor Henry Fonda as the narrator. The composition is a single-movement work that lasts approximately 15 minutes. It is scored for a large orchestra, including brass, woodwinds, percussion, and strings. The piece features a narrator who recites excerpts from Lincoln's speeches and writings, while the orchestra provides a musical backdrop. The "Lincoln Portrait" is characterized by its use of American folk melodies and hymns, which are woven into the orchestral texture. Copland was known for his use of folk music in his compositions, and this piece is no exception. The music is also marked by its grandeur and solemnity, reflecting the gravity of the subject matter. The piece is divided into several sections, each of which corresponds to a different excerpt from Lincoln's writings. The opening section features a fanfare-like theme that sets the tone for the piece. This is followed by a section that features a solo trumpet playing a mournful melody, which is then taken up by the full orchestra. The narrator then begins to recite Lincoln's words, which are set against a backdrop of swelling strings and brass. The music builds in intensity as the narrator speaks, reaching a climax with the words "of the people, by the people, for the people." The piece then concludes with a reprise of the opening fanfare. Overall, the "Lincoln Portrait" is a powerful and moving tribute to one of America's greatest presidents. Copland's use of folk melodies and hymns gives the piece a distinctly American flavor, while the grandeur and solemnity of the music reflect the importance of the subject matter. The piece remains a popular choice for orchestras and narrators to this day, and continues to inspire audiences with its message of hope and unity.

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