Composer

:

Aaron Copland

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Suite

Compose Date

:

1942

Average_duration

:

15:48

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

Aaron Copland's "Music for Movies" is a suite of five movements composed in 1942. The premiere of the suite was on October 22, 1942, at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City, conducted by Artur Rodzinski. The suite was commissioned by the Museum of Modern Art Film Library, and it was intended to be used as background music for films. The first movement, "New England Countryside," is a pastoral piece that evokes the beauty and simplicity of rural life. It features a gentle melody played by the strings, accompanied by woodwinds and brass. The second movement, "Barley Wagons," is a lively and rhythmic piece that captures the energy and excitement of a harvest festival. It features a syncopated melody played by the brass and percussion. The third movement, "Sunday Traffic," is a jazzy and upbeat piece that depicts the hustle and bustle of city life. It features a driving rhythm played by the percussion, accompanied by brass and woodwinds. The fourth movement, "Hoe-Down," is a lively and energetic piece that is based on a traditional American folk tune. It features a fast-paced melody played by the strings, accompanied by percussion and brass. The final movement, "Fanfare for the Common Man," is a majestic and powerful piece that was inspired by a speech given by Vice President Henry A. Wallace. It features a bold and triumphant melody played by the brass, accompanied by percussion and strings. Overall, "Music for Movies" is a diverse and dynamic suite that showcases Copland's versatility as a composer. The suite incorporates elements of classical music, jazz, and traditional American folk music, and it is characterized by its lively rhythms, memorable melodies, and evocative harmonies. It remains a popular and influential work in the repertoire of American classical music.

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