Did
you know that Aaron Copland’s Appalachian
Spring began as a ballet? This Pulitzer Prize-winning work was originally written for
dancer/choreographer Martha Graham. In the beginning, Copland didn’t know what
to call the work so he referred to it as “Ballet for Martha.” Graham later
chose the title that we know today. The ensemble at the premiere consisted of
only thirteen musicians. It wasn’t until later on that Copland arranged the
piece into the orchestral suite most people are now familiar with.
One famous
medley in Appalachian Spring is taken
from the Shaker hymn ‘Tis the Gift to Be
Simple. Copland then varies this theme throughout the work. In an attempt
to evoke images of rural, American life, Copland uses wide sonorities and open
fifths and octaves, a trait commonly used to express American ideas in music. The
music and choreography complement each other beautifully, telling the story of
young newlyweds settling in the Pennsylvania frontier.
Here is a
performance of Copland’s original Appalachian
Spring ballet. Do you think the music fits well as a ballet accompaniment?
