Copland: Appalachian Spring; Rodeo; Fanfare for the Common Man

This sonically spectacular disc features three of Aaron Copland's most beloved Americana scores. Drawing on American folk themes, Rodeo and Appalachian Spring originated as ballet music, but they have found a larger life as light classic staples. They are briskly conducted by Louis Lane and played with élan by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. --Sarah Bryan Miller Amazon.com

Copeland

Tho' not Amazon's problem, I thought THIS PARTICULAR album (CD) was not good. Other Copeland CD's I have are great. Not this one! December 12, 2008

beautiful work

I was pleasantly surprised by the overall quality of this recording. I used to think that only Angel Records could produce such quality. The people who did the mixing made me feel like I was standing next to the conductor. Every solo instrument seemed to sound its best.
I also liked the interpretation. I though it was traditional and being a tone poem I had no problem closing my eyes and "seeing" the action. August 26, 2008

Copeland Superbly Moving!

Copeland has long been one of my favorite composers. He just takes you wonderfully away! May 29, 2008

A strong version of Copland 's work

This CD contains three of Aaron Copland's more popular works: "Fanfare for the Common Man"; "Rodeo," and "Appalachian Spring." Louis Lane conducts the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and they play Copland's works well.

A few brief comments about each. "Fanfare for the Common Man" is one of my favorite fanfares. The name alone biases me in its favor. But the cadence is wonderful, beginning with percussion. Then, the soaring horn. Then percussion again. 3:14 of wondrous, powerful music. I often get goose bumps listening to this short piece. The liner notes comment that the key to this work's continuing popularity is ". . .the soaring, heroic character of its opening trumpet line. . . ."

"Rodeo" is another enjoyable work. Its four movements go from "Buckaroo Holiday" to the well known "Hoe Down.""Buckaroo Holiday" is a lively piece and will be familiar to many. It begins with a toe-tapping introduction, The final movement, "Hoe Down," has been used as a theme in advertisements put out by beef growers in the U. S, (as I recall, Robert Mitchum was one of the early pitchmen in this ad, with Copland's work backing him up). This is another fast-paced, lively piece. Its energy is maintained throughout. The title, "Hoe Down," is lived up to by the music (and by this performance) and if I could dance I'd probably get up and dance!

The final piece is the 22 minute "Appalachian Spring." The song "Simple Gifts" serves as a theme interspersed here and there. This work starts out at a slow, contemplative pace. This is a good version of Copland's composition.

All in all, this is a good version of these three works. If you like Copland, I would suspect that you would like this CD.
April 19, 2008

Excellent Compilation

This is an excellent compilation of some of Copland's greatest pieces. I gave this to my Dad for Christmas--his first "classical" music CD--and he loves it. The emotions evoked by Copland's music are universal. January 20, 2008

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