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Appalachian Spring is a musical work by Aaron Copland writteen between 1943–44 as a ballet suite and a later orchestral suite. The ballet score for a group of only thirteen instrumentalist was created at the requested of choreography and dancer Martha Graham. While writing the work over the course of a year, Copland wrote that it was somewhat foolish to do so as ballet and their corresponding scores were historically short-lived.
The story told is a spring celebration of the American pioneers of the 1800s after building a new Pennsylvania farmhouse. Among the central characters are a newlywed couple, a neighbor and a revivalist preacher along with his followers. The ballet is divided in eight sections such as the duo for the bride and groom and the preacher's fast-paced dance along with his followers which is inspired by square dancing. The seventh section is a theme and varions using the only true folk tune used, the Shaker melody known as Simple Gifts. Each variation takes the simple theme as is with changes limited to key, accompaniment, register, dynamics, tone color and tempo. The second varion provides a lyrical treatment in the low register while the third contrasts starkly in a fast brass staccato. The last two variations of this section uses only a part of the folk tune, first an extration treated as a pastoral variation and then as a majestic closing. The eighth finale section of the ballet leaves the couple quietly enjoying their new home.
In 1945, he rearranged the ballet work as an orchestral suite. The ballet and orchestral work were well received with the latter credited as more important in popularizing the composer; both versions continue to be performed in full today.
The melodies and rhythms recall revival hymns, fiddlers and barndances. The piece is simple and tonal with energy drawn from the strong syncopation and meter changes. As is common in many works of the twentieth century, the orchestrated version includes a piano and strong percussion.
References
Kamien, Roger. Music : An Appreciation. Mcgraw-Hill College; 3rd edition (August 1, 1997) ISBN 0070365210
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