Copland Conducts Appalachian Spring

Aaron Copland Conducts Appalachian Spring
National Symphony Orchestra
Kennedy Center, Washington DC
November 14, 1980

[@lurking0death]

I had been shot up pretty good in Vietnam. Two bullets in the left chest, a smashed right shoulder. Schrapnel in the lower abdomen and left leg. I lay in bed for 3 years and played this over and over. The last 3 minutes are heaven. I walked out of that accursed hospital under my own power. I went out and got a life. I will always adore this music that helped me get my own Appalachian Spring. My God, life is intriguing and precious...and can be so beautiful as evidenced by this music.

[@gillisBR549]

Thanks for your comment, thanks for your service! My dad was hit hard in Vietnam and now I am his caretaker. I came to know this song, from my love of the mountains of NC. It is magnificent. God Bless

[@JeremiahKlarman]

Thank you for your service.

[@michaelmarcus2318]

Thank you for your service

[@luiselevy8070]

May you thrive, dear sir. Thank you for sharing your experience of this gorgeous music. It has been a lifesaver for me, too.

[@solarissolar8804]

Your comment has given me chills. Beautiful. The last 3 minutes have always been heaven to me also.

[@dahtyelcsw]

2024 and this still resonates a musical tribute to a GREAT COMPOSER. We are so fortunate to have Aaron in our lifetime.❤❤❤

[@googlewhackthis]

Whenever I hear this piece, I'm compelled to go for a walk. Can't do that these days so I'll just close my eyes and let my mind wander the fields around my house.

[@dneuens]

The way he smiles and compliments the orchestra at the end is everything. So many conductors hold themselves in such high regard. This man not only conducted, but composed one of the most iconic pieces of American music ever, and he's humble in appreciation to the orchestra for their performance of his work.

[@masonthieu2114]

Wow, this incredible performance of Appalachian Spring was actually on his birthday! I can always remember the date because we share the same birthday, November 14! What a great gift this was, both to him and the rest of humanity.

[@fernandovagopianista]

What a privilege to watch this video of Copland himself conducting one of my favorite works!

[@donpaladino]

AMEN!

[@tomjh51]

Agreed dude hhaaahaa

[@FretboardMaestro]

Agreed! That was amazing! Such great music! And a great iconic American composer!

[@stephensottile1327]

Indeed. This was the epitome of his oeuvre.

[@d.h.9428]

“I hear America singing” and Copland wrote the music. Like Walt Whitman, Copland seems to have insights into the American soul, the American landscape, as a part of our collective being, and create unique artistry. What a gift he is to the nation and the world.

[@jbut1208]

Mr Copeland traveled through America as I have! This music is shot full of what he saw! It is as if he came to understand what he saw! This music embodies the spirit of America as I have perceived it!

[@oldschoolaudioenthusiast]

The performance is sublime. Just beautiful. His vision. An American treasure!

[@virginiasoskin9082]

You know, what gets me about music is that without its performance it is never heard except in the composer's head and heart. It must be an ABSOLUTE THRILL to conduct an orchestra playing your own composition. Wow. It must be one of the great peak experiences of life.

[@BarbaraPryor-Smith]

Every composer infuses his own spirit into the music, and when composer and conductor are the same, the power is amplified. No one can do full justice to this piece except Copeland himself! Love it so much! 💜

[@MichaelSmith-os2ey]

That is Pure Awesome Aaron Copland. What a majestic score...!!

[@franklyncheatum2324]

I first encountered this piece in high school band over 20 years ago. One of the greatest examples of a simple melody played over and over yet generating different emotions, textures, and always sounding new each time. And selfishly, as a trombone player, few composers make better use of us than he does.

[@siriusfeline]

I was fortunate enough to actually be listening to this as a young child while living and growing up in Appalachia. The music could not be more succinctly connected to the land, the landscapes and the energy there. Whenever I listen to this, I am there. This is one of the deepest imprints I carry of music and the very terrain that inspired it which formed the landscape of my first memories in this life in rural Pennsylvania. What a gift to be able to witness Aaron Copland himself conducting this.

[@treesny]

Copland's working title for this score was "Ballet for Martha." It was commissioned by the great American modern dance choreographer/dancer Martha Graham, who had a habit of (re-)naming composer's scores. It was Graham who, after the fact, told Copland she had decided to call it "Appalachian Spring," a title derived from a poem by Hart Crane. I believe that in Crane "spring" refers not to the season but to a source of water. Certainly Copland's music is one of the most poetic evocations of rural America, but I'm pretty such it was not pegged to any particular region. Incidentally, Copland took the famous Shaker "gift song" "Simple Gifts" and wove it into his score before he knew that the Shakers were (and still are) a celibate religious community. This fact dismayed him somewhat, as the scenario for the ballet centers on a newly wed bride and groom!

[@rodgaudreau3737]

Whether in heaven or on earth we will all dance in the morning.

[@user-wp4ju4hp5w]

Copland s music is sooooo America

[@galaxtm6794]

25:25 and the echo is chilling. Imagine how satisfying it would be to hear that in person

[@curtismitchell538]

This brought me to tears... to see Copeland conduct this piece is incredible! One of my favorite works!

[@photonotavailable7936]

88.9 KXPR-FM Sacramento, Capital Public Radio, brought me here. Such an honor and privilege to watch this. Starting at 22:00, Mr. Copeland's music kills me emotionally and stirs my soul. Incredible. Sonically, it reminds me of the men and women, including my uncle, who lost their lives during World War II. Thank you for sharing this video.

[@joeheid4757]

Why is it that when he smiled at the end I cried like a little baby?

[@BarbaraPryor-Smith]

Me too!!! 😅

[@Afterburner1477]

I did too

[@lurking0death]

Copland was 90 and dying of a neurological condition. He could no longer talk. But shortly before his death he went to his piano and played the last few notes of this. The last 3 minutes of this are so sweet and gentle, a final statement of quietude and repose. You have to smile, not cry.

[@mickigrant9380]

Brilliant! I love Copland’s works so very, very much, and to be able to watch him in action - well, I guess I’m fortunate that my favorite composer is from the modern era so I can see him on film! He seemed like quite a humble person. I would love to have a chance to speak with one of the symphony members about his or her experience with Aaron Copland conducting such a beautiful masterwork.

[@merontekie2538]

This piece gives me so much peace

[@anthonylaezza8612]

Everyone has such wonderful comments. I'll be here all night giving Thumbs up.

[@reyybarra614]

Sheer incredible genius!! The way Aaron looked in the last couple of seconds of this masterpiece was beyond words!!!!! Bravo!!!!!!

[@maxcal1009]

He knew he and his crew stuck the landing!

[@jackismith1429]

Wow, just wow. Mr. Copeland and his music was/is a gift to all of us. It's amazing how the beginning of this piece brings me back to being a little girl hanging out with my beloved grandpa on a warm late spring, or early summer evening. Hearing this piece, I literally get transported back in time.

[@trylliumt5441]

same here

[@user-8d8h8t8b]

1. 00: 00 Very slowly. Introduction of the characters, one by one, in a suffused light. 2. 02:55 Fast/Allegro. Sudden burst of unison strings in A major arpeggios starts the action. A sentiment both elated and religious gives the keynote to this scene. 3. 06:00 Moderate/Moderato. Duo for the Bride and her Intended - scene of tenderness and passion. 4. 09:39 Quite fast. The Revivalist and his flock. Folksy feeling - suggestions of square dances and country fiddlers. 5. 13:14 Still faster/Subito Allegro. Solo dance of the Bride - presentiment of motherhood. Extremes of joy and fear and wonder. 6. 17:30 Very slowly (as at first). Transition scene to music reminiscent of the introduction. 7. 18:37 Calm and flowing/Doppio Movimento. Scenes of daily activity for the Bride and her Farmer husband. There are five variations on a Shaker theme. The theme, sung by a solo clarinet, was taken from a collection of Shaker melodies compiled by Edward D. Andrews, and published under the title "The Gift to Be Simple." The melody borrowed and used almost literally is called "Simple Gifts." 8. 22:01 Moderate. Coda/Moderato - Coda. The Bride takes her place among her neighbors. At the end the couple are left "quiet and strong in their new house." Muted strings intone a hushed prayerlike chorale passage. The close is reminiscent of the opening music.

[@migdabaptiste3317]

Thank you! this was really helpful for me so I could understand & follow along better.🥰

[@jimsmith1549]

Incredible moving ---especially with Copeland conducting! I LOVE those 3 triangle tones at the very end! Bravo!

[@lurking0death]

Well said.

[@USClayTargetAssoc]

The master conducting his masterpiece!

[@drrmdjr]

That last note...wow. Just astounding.

[@howardmiller8012]

who knows better what the composer intended ... love this piece so much, such a great performance

[@gunterbutler9091]

In the uproar of this world this soothes my soul Please stay safe

[@petardundjerski2245]

Awesome. Thank you for the upload

[@annedwyer797]

Even though the old VHS video quality isn't great, it's a treat to see/hear Copland conduct his own masterpiece. There are parts of "Appalachian Spring" that are so beautiful they move me to tears.

[@lylelehman3456]

One of the most beautiful presentations of this work that I have ever seen or heard.

[@Harry-rk8tl]

Incredibly beautiful music by a true master! What else can you say!? Thank You, Aaron!!!

[@chartsengrafs]

My first concert was at the opening of (the) Alys Stephen's Center in Birmingham when I was 12 years old (1999). The National Symphony Orchestra performed Appalachian Spring. It was perfect.

[@hollymccormick4727]

Love this , I got to see him conduct this on his 70th Birthday, my favorite piece by him. My husband worked for a local university that owned a summer music festival and he became Pres of his union and he got a of free tickets, it was great , it was the summer home of the Detroit Symphmony. We got to see so much wonderful music;). thank you ;).

[@ogredad55]

Simply amazing! Thanks for sharing, John!

[@davidpoist6976]

Just watched the performance by the Toronto Symphony Musicians playing this piece. Each one appears isolated, like many of us..... But this music reminds us how great we can be, in the worst of times. We will survive this time in our lives and be stronger for it! Turn off the news and listen to beautiful music tonight!

[@matildetessari9425]

Trust the Lord David....

@@matildetessari9425 Ass

[@kidmarine7329]

Trust the music.

[@VictoriouslyBroken]

My favorite classical composer conducting 1 of my 2 favorite pieces of his work (Fanfare for the Common Man is the other piece) … just WOW! Thank you so much for sharing this!

[@Michajeru]

True American greatness! So inspiring, so beautiful. Simply magnificent.

[@OldStudentNS]

One of the most incredible performances of one of the best pieces of music by one of the most genius composers of all time. Breathtaking!

[@angelosilva4051]

Fantastico: Copland dirige se stesso in modo esemplare ed è bellissimo come si porge con l'orchestra un vero GRANDE.

[@doggonepointgooddogbacking3248]

My mother, sister, and I attended this performance. Our tastes in music are/were very different, but we all loved this work. We lived in Fairfax at the time, and I had just started high school. I am always reminded of our mutual love for the Shenandoah when I listen.

[@evaschmid1919]

Deeply moved what a gift to see and hear on his Birthday 🙏Martha Graham s Choreographie to this Music is heavenly 🙏

[@ElleSunminLee]

wow.. thanks for uploading! this's such a great resource for us to understand this piece better and deeper!

[@alexcamacho4880]

One of the greatest musical pieces of Americana. Conducted by its creator. It doesn't get any better than that.

[@maryj560]

One word..Beautiful!

[@williammorris584]

You would tell about Copland giving your orchestra a smile and a nod for the rest of your life.

[@1955robyn]

Best version - conducted by the man who wrote it. I loved the strictness of the tempo. It made the melodies flow.

[@Galahad-hk4bb]

I had the privilege of attending a concert of the maestro in the late 70s with 2 of my best high school friends. Had chills then and even more so now!!! What an experience!!!

[@josephtutolo3304]

Quintcentially American. It's hard not to love a guy who could laugh in Martha Graham's pompous face, and still turn out gold.

You're confused.

[@dradunich]

I have tickets to this symphony tomorrow, and I will think of you and what you endured. I have been touched and inspired by these lovely words you have written. I will add them to my favorite poems and quotes. I will be more grateful for all that is good in this world. I hope you are well and happy.

[@jamesjournalist3919]

Those last few notes are enough to qualify Copland as the greatest American composer of all time

[@kidmarine7329]

I think that’s right. Put Bernstein up there too.

[@thekidfromiowa]

40 years ago today!

[@JohnJApanovitch]

I was born 6 days after what would have been his 100th birthday. What an incredible and amazing man he was.

[@trylliumt5441]

Thank you!

[@andresamaya9331]

me encanta esa obra, Copland excelente compositor

[@brileyrichmond3126]

I'm stunned. The greatest American symphony. Conducted by the composer. Rare. Rare. Rare. Bravo.

[@xtremenortherner]

What a great composer! IMHO his musical legacy lives on, when he 1st started writing music for hollywood films, a lot of reigning "highbrows" look askance at his utilizing classical music for this genre..., now there is a whole generation of composers noted for their film scores; John Williams, Maurice Jarre, Quincy Jones, to name a few...,

[@matildetessari9425]

Awesome music ♥

[@delinaloftesnes1618]

beautiful.

[@Pixiearts.a]

My chekra of solar plexus is going to light - thank you for exprience. Movie such a great exprience

[@ThistleAndSea]

At the end when he walks off stage, is that Leonard Bernstein giving him a hug? Sure looks like him. I wouldn't be surprised! Beautiful music. Just beautiful. 😊

[@user-wp4ju4hp5w]

Yes indeed. That was Leonard Bernstein giving Copland a hug. Bernstein adored Copland s music. Copland s music was soooooo America

[@garyhinkle5736]

Magnificent🎵

[@Dorothypotterspanish]

This is my favorite piece of music in the world. What a beautiful man, what beautiful hands, what soul. THIS is America, not that other c**p. THIS.

[@rocketfire1348]

Nice piece!

[@brianbrattlof2155]

Theme song for the series called "Chisolm." The West Virginia University marching band use to play the iconic 25:47 refrain at about 21:20 for every football game. Don't know if they still do.

[@user-vb7yn2fq2g]

Flute Toshiko Kohno. Beautiful playing👏😊 　　　YOSHIO UTSUKI

[@ldschlosser2072]

Yay!!

[@Gorboduc]

Is that Lenny backstage at the end? He was a pretty tenacious hugger.

[@pearspeedruns]

Any chance that there was a CD made of Copland conducting the NSO?

[@yowzephyr]

Interesting ending. When Copland comes back on stage he gestures for the players to stand up and take in the applause for themselves, but the first violinist gestures that "this is your moment".

[@jackbuckley7816]

How did Copland conceive of this symphony? I'm very familiar with the Blue Ridge Mtns. but, of course, I know the Appalachian Range extends much further in both directions. They're beautiful in all seasons, except in winter, when, on periods of snowlessness, they're barren & less appealing to the eye. The Appalachians have a quiet majesty all their own, so evocative of the land that became the U.S.A. I think of their pre-Columbian history, too, and all the native tribes & wildlife that inhabited them for millenia. I wonder if Copland was personally familiar with these mountains? I listened to this while viewing photos of the Appalachians on my computer screen, in tandem with the concert, which I found evocatively effectively.

[@johnrandolph6121]

Appalachian Spring was a title that was chosen not by Copland but by Martha Graham and it was named after the music had been completed.

[@jackbuckley7816]

@@johnrandolph6121 I never would've guessed, thank you.

[@johnrandolph6121]

@@jackbuckley7816 You are not the first person to make that very logical assumption. Copland was very fond of telling this story: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4inipRuiZ1md5Y

[@Twentythousandlps]

This is not a symphony.

[@treesny]

@@jackbuckley7816 Graham took the title from a poem by Hart Crane. "Spring" refers to an underground water source, not to the season.

[@FrankIsAlwaysRight]

Section seven starts at 18:40

[@TonyTeebo]

Fine!

[@adamstonebraker8879]

What year was this and what orchestra is it? Such a beautiful piece.

[@bandman639]

This is my morning Anthem

[@RickB500]

Today I've heard it the first time, at least with attention. Isn't this music a blue print for Star Trek? And I often think about Gustav Holst's Planets! Great to sea Copland in front. Thanks!

[@toddsimpson9164]

Today (11/14/2020) is his 120th birthday

[@Funsoul8]

That’s why conductors live so long they are always waving their arms around…

[@annedwyer797]

It's true! I heard a conductor say conducting averages abt 2 arm movements/second, and if you're conducting a full concert program, that's quite a workout. A rehearsal could be 3-4 hrs!

[@lunetelalune2783]

Was this to celebrate Copland's birthday since he was born on the 14th of Nov?

[@rebatenpenny5245]

Where was it performed?

[@Namuchat]

It is funny to observe that the actual composer of the work looks a lot at the score while conducting.

[@jonahfalcon1970]

Wish they could clean up the audio. A lot of wow and flutter.

[@carlclausen]

09.41..ups..clarinet entry!

[@stoneamari8664]

PROFOUND AND SUBLIME...

[@chrisgray3641]

I hear that mistake at 9:42 ........ wrong cue clar! You're a bar early with your run two bars into rehearsal 23! Still wonderful performance. :)

[@moboutmen]

CBS REPORTS!

[@MegaCate18]

15:29

[@sail_fragram]

11:50 31

[@selfloathinggameing]

AMERICA

[@AndreaElizabeth100]

I heard that Michael Jackson liked this composer.

[@mydogskips2]

I know the composer knows his own piece, but in my opinion, the opening is played way too fast. It simply does not create the right atmosphere or set the mood for what the work is supposed to depict/convey.

[@tommycalton559]

I’m certain your dog skips. There’s always room for a whiner.

[@neilmccarthy1839]

Boring at best

[@tommycalton559]

Always room for a Troll. That would be you Neil.

[@jasonpan8546]

15:30