Weekend Music

 

The great American composer Aaron Copland, who was born 125 years ago today, was considered by many to be the dean of American composers. His orchestral works, including "Appalachian Spring," and "Rodeo," were performed as ballets, and written in a populist style that Copland described as the American "vernacular."  Borrowed from a 19th century Shaker hymn and first performed in October 1944, the majestic "Simple Gifts" from "Appalachian Spring" became an instant classic, first performed by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, followed by other major symphony orchestras, including this version by John Williams conducting the Boston Pops Orchestra. (Some of you may remember it as the theme music for the old "CBS Reports" investigative journalism program from back in the Edward R. Murrow days -- how low that network has fallen!).