Composer

:

Aaron Copland

Genre

:

Ballet

Style

:

Ballet

Compose Date

:

1934

Average_duration

:

32:21

'Hear Ye! Hear Ye!' is a ballet composed by Aaron Copland in 1934. The plot of the ballet revolves around a group of villagers who gather in the town square to hear the town crier announce the arrival of a traveling circus. The villagers are excited about the prospect of seeing the circus and eagerly await its arrival. The ballet is divided into three movements. The first movement, titled "The Town Crier," features a solo trumpet playing a fanfare to announce the arrival of the circus. The music is lively and upbeat, reflecting the excitement of the villagers. The second movement, titled "The Circus Comes to Town," features a series of dances that depict the various acts in the circus. There is a clown dance, a tightrope walker dance, and a lion tamer dance, among others. The music is playful and whimsical, with Copland using a variety of instruments to create a carnival-like atmosphere. The final movement, titled "The Village Green," features a grand finale in which the villagers come together to celebrate the circus. The music is triumphant and joyful, with Copland using brass and percussion to create a sense of excitement and energy. 'Hear Ye! Hear Ye!' premiered on May 2, 1934, at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City. The ballet was choreographed by Eugene Loring and featured sets and costumes by Oliver Smith. The ballet was well-received by audiences and critics alike, with many praising Copland's score for its energy and playfulness. One of the characteristics of 'Hear Ye! Hear Ye!' is its use of folk melodies and rhythms. Copland was known for incorporating elements of American folk music into his compositions, and this ballet is no exception. The music is lively and rhythmic, with a distinctly American flavor. Another characteristic of the ballet is its use of percussion. Copland was known for his innovative use of percussion instruments, and 'Hear Ye! Hear Ye!' features a variety of percussion instruments, including drums, cymbals, and xylophones. The percussion adds to the carnival-like atmosphere of the ballet and helps to create a sense of excitement and energy. Overall, 'Hear Ye! Hear Ye!' is a lively and playful ballet that showcases Copland's talent for incorporating elements of American folk music into his compositions. The ballet remains a popular work in the repertoire of many ballet companies today.

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