Copland Symphony No. 3

One of my favorite Symphonies is Aaron Copland's Symphony No. 3. You really should check it out, especially the last movement. You can find a video of the first movement in the link below.

Yup, pretty much essential listening. Copland's harmony and orchestration made a significant contribution to paving the way for Hollywood film music for the latter half of the 20th century. This symphony is also rather interesting since it's a semi fusion of ideas from Appalachian Spring and Fanfare for the Common Man.

The last movement is actually where the theme from Fanfare came from. Or the other way around, I can't quite remember....:)

I think it was the other way around, since Fanfare was written before Symphony 3. :)

I think it was the other way around, since Fanfare was written before Symphony 3. :)

And you would be mistaken. Symphonies don't get written instantaneously. Copland had already started working on the symphony when he wrote Fanfare for a competition. To save time, Copland adapted an excerpt from his then-unfinished symphony.

I knew it. There is a two volume biography of Copland that is a really, really great read. It had me hooked and read almost like a novel. I learned a great deal about Copland's views of music from those, since he was interviewed by the author throughout the writing process.

And you would be mistaken. Symphonies don't get written instantaneously. Copland had already started working on the symphony when he wrote Fanfare for a competition. To save time, Copland adapted an excerpt from his then-unfinished symphony.

Fanfare wasn't written for a competition, the then conductor of the Cincinnati SO invited numerous American composers of the time such as Walter Piston and Morton Gould and of course Copland to write fanfares to begin programs. Obviously Copland's is the only one still in the repertoire.

Copland's 3rd was finished in 1946 after approximately two years of work, during which he traveled to Mexico and elsewhere. The dates don't add up, because the Fanfare was written in 1942 and performed in 1943.

OH THE AGONY OF TIMES & DATES! lol

But yes, Copland's third is priceless. Do I hear National Geographic in the last movement? lol. Bernstein's recording is absolutely the best ... seeing as he premiered it. Am I right?

the Fanfare commissions were during time of war, with various composers contributing fanfares for different military groups (ie: "Fanfare for the fighting 23rd brigade" sort of thing).

Copland MAY have had anti-war sentiments, or been affected by the toll the war was taking on innocent victims, and thus entitled his fanfare "... for the Common Man".

As far as I know, the fanfare came first, and was later incorporated into teh finale of the 3rd symphony.

The 3rd symphony has an absolutely amazing first movement, whose lyrical line is stunning in its breadth and scope. The theme itself is VERY long, and contains VERY few small intervals (ie: movement by step - it is largely made up of 4ths and 5ths).

the only other "intervalic" theme I have come across that comes close to the lyric quality of that Molto Moderato movement, is the main theme of Barber's 2nd Essay, which lacks the Copland's length.

And it is particularly wonderful to have that long main theme return at the very end of the entire symphony, superimposed over the fanfare theme.

Highly appreciated, very lovely. I must find a score of his so study.

When you find a score, let me know where you find it.

The Copland 3rd Symphony is clearly his best work. I concur with Qccowboy on that first movement, simply gorgeous!

Copland's 3rd Symphony is part of the Trinity of American 3rd Symphonies. The other two are by Roy Harris and William Schuman. Both of them are also superlative works which everyone should know. I think the opening movement to William Schuman's 3rd symphony is more beautiful than the Copland!

Matusleo

When you find a score, let me know where you find it.

I sure will.