NYO-USA Performs Copland’s “Hoe-Down” from Rodeo

Watch Michael Tilson Thomas lead NYO-USA in a performance of Copland’s “Hoe-Down” from Rodeo as an encore to the ensemble’s performance at the NCPA in Beijing in 2018.
For the sixth summer, Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute (WMI) brought together the brightest young players from across the country to form the National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America (NYO-USA). Following a comprehensive audition process and a three-week training residency with leading professional orchestra musicians, these remarkable teenagers embarked on a tour to some of the great music capitals to serve as dynamic music ambassadors.
Michael Tilson Thomas conducted NYO-USA in 2018, showcasing his mastery of a wide range of repertoire, dedication to mentoring young talent, and commitment to the music of living composers. NYO-USA traveled to Asia for the second time and performed a program that included Gershwin’s effervescent Piano Concerto in F Major with pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet-a touchstone work for both soloist and conductor-as well as Sibelius’s heroic Symphony No. 2, and the world premiere of Ted Hearne’s Brass Tacks, commissioned by Carnegie Hall.

[@telescopicS627]

Nailed it. Even got the musicians to holler and whistle at the crescendo, which really makes Hoedown special.

[@rhas356]

I get very disappointed by Hoedown performances that skip the hollering!

[@msteingart]

That’s part of the composition. Wouldn’t be right without it.

[@B3FMandCProductions]

Currently cooking steak on the grill, so playing this just felt right

[@samdiego1965]

Beef, it’s what’s for dinner

[@fatbowe]

I'll be right over🤣

[@WMJCPA]

Better eat your steak while we can still get it. Once they start taxing cattle for farting we may not be able to get it anymore.

[@jasonhurd4379]

You're all TV addicts

[@lgngrrtt]

I have a lot of rituals when it comes to cooking but setting the mood via music has never occurred to me until now. Gonna swap out Ted Lasso for Copeland when I grill next!

[@pineapple4188]

I love that conducting!! It felt like he trusted the orchestra to perform and fully express the piece independently.

[@appleseed2613]

Absolutely.

[@reklin]

I'm so glad someone else noticed this. I had the same band teacher for seven years, from middle school through high school. He conducted us through more concerts and performances than I can remember, and was one of the best teachers I ever had. That level of mutual trust and respect is a wonderful thing.

[@jenniferstephens4191]

I saw that too

[@creativehorsequeen]

He was just standing there like "Y'all do your thing. I'm here if you need me."

[@EditorBPress]

@@creativehorsequeen Absolutely right. He was great.

[@johnmemekek6132]

I just love this piece. it's just so "American" imo

[@kingwoomy8781]

That's what Copland wanted

[@janicesullivan8942]

Yes, it is 🇺🇸

[@timbredan3476]

Copland IS America 🇺🇸

[@mjnyc8655]

And yet there's a bit of Irish in it.

[@creativehorsequeen]

It sounds like Copland took every soundtrack from the best western/cowboy movies and mashed them together into one glorious piece. I love it. My university orchestra is playing this and I'm so excited.

[@DavidAmbrose7]

Every western and cowboy movie used his music. He was alive in the early 1900s his work predates movies 😂😂

[@OldsVistaCruiser]

@@DavidAmbrose7 - Copland lived from 1900-1990. He was in his late 20s when talkies came out. "Rodeo" came out in 1942. John Wayne was a household name by then.

[@dorothyrobbins3797]

Wondering what university

[@robertlynn7332]

Apparently Copland lifted a lot of it from a recording of a tune called "Bonaparte's Retreat" The recording was made at a ,fiddle contest in Berea Kentucky some time between 1915 and 1920.

[@engineeringartist4801]

Copeland's influence for producing Rodeo came directly from his staying the month before in Argentina at the home of composer Ginasteria as he completed Estancia. Some riffs are identical but it was more of the Gaucho influence than plagiarism. Ginasteria's cowboy/western take on Estancia reflects the culture of cattle and horsemen still prevalent in Argentina today. Copeland transposed the theme to depict the American West.

[@hekaersa]

Copland wrote this and captured the exact spirit of the great American pioneers.

[@ginocandia5770]

😊😊I’m very pleased to know I’m not the only one that loves the song but when last did you play it

[@harperstone4009]

Copland didn't quite write this. He lifted it from a couple sources and pasted it together. Listen to William H Stepp's recording of Bonaparte's Retreat to hear where Copland got the melody. How much you want to bet that Stepp didn't make a dime from Copland's success?

[@Benjamin_Kraft]

@@harperstone4009 Using already existing folktunes for orchestral composition is common practice, especially for these kinds of works meant to evoke a national/regional identity. Another example would be Upsala-rapsodi by Hugo Alfven, a song specifically about the city of Uppsala (two Ps in modern spelling) in Sweden which incorporates many classic pieces related to student-life of that city; most of those works are even by other composers rather than folk songs. It's not like Copland and Alfven were "stealing" these bits and hoping to get away with it, rather, these pieces are homages to them and the culture they represent, and might arguably serve to expose these works to a broader audience. Stepp's recording is also made for Library of Congress, which I'm guessing means that essentially it's for public use anyway. Furthermore, it wasn't even Copland's idea to incorporate the melody, he was hired to compose by the choreographer for the original ballet, and she requested the use of this melody.

[@colleenburk1254]

@@Benjamin_Kraftget out of here with your facts! Never knew that history of one of my fav songs, and I’m glad to have learned it!

[@kdali1690]

An extraordinarily lively, sensitive, and moving performance of this beloved piece. You can see the pride in the conductor's face, and rightly so.

[@kdali1690]

Also, whose children are these? They're absolutely amazing, and so are you, parents 💕

[@hoof2001]

Few renditions make me smile: these kids did. Spirited, talented and wow. Fun. Thank you for bringing their joy to us all

[@theg-meister8437]

I played cymbals for a marching band version of this piece for my district marching festival recently, and the judges' report that my band director got said that this song and the percussion flares (visuals) were the main reason that we got a 1 and not a 2. This is such a great song and I hope that anyone who hears it feels the same happiness I do.

[@thatsoundslikeblue]

3:19 bassoon lady rockin' out. :D

[@fintanfinn]

Wow. What a lively, energetic performance! Feel waaay better after that!!!!

[@juno4127]

So THATS what this song is called!

[@samdiego1965]

Did you think it was called “Beef, it’s what’s for dinner”?

[@juno4127]

@@samdiego1965 *yes*

[@queenstreetsystems]

just came here to find it out too ! This is also by way the best performance I've ever heard of this piece "Hoe-Down" too

[@LinCalc]

Yeah its a neat little piece

[@DrJekyll38]

Why didn't they stop before the last three notes to declare "BEEF, it's what's for dinner."? My college orchestra did this and got a standing ovation!

[@segasys1339]

Corny yet epic idea :)

[@timbredan3476]

Might offend the vegans in the crowd 😬. Gotta be careful nowadays…but I would love it!! 😁

[@mikuspalmis]

@@timbredan3476 That would be a strange thing to be offended by, even for vegans.

[@Hakajin]

That was a GENIUS campaign! To this day, hearing this piece makes me want a nice juicy steak.

[@mrdarklight]

Such a masterful performance. Just nailed it!

[@saverioman]

Saw the NY Philharmonic play this in Central Park...it's a remarkable, exhilarating piece.

[@melodiemartinez8349]

Played this freshman year of high school and I remember it being SO HARD because of how fast it is!! We slowed it down significantly too hahaha. Such a beautiful piece!!

[@mattbne7403]

Spike Lee's movie "He Got Game" introduced me to this ,also "John Henry" was the music for the beginning of the movie as well, it just fit so perfectly with basketball

[@juliewilder4659]

GOOSEBUMPS! Thank you for this!

[@user-kn8vw1bd1q]

Amazing version of a beautiful piece of music

[@yegfreethinker]

Isn't this the embodiment of what makes our continent great? A proud Canadian who's also proudly an American. Why are so many Canadians averse to that? Our continent is one of the most if not most amazing continents on earth. I wouldn't want to be born on any other continent than here. We're so blessed with one of the most beautiful lands on earth with such great abundance & beauty.

[@BrianJDumas]

Song always reminds me of the US west & 4th of July!

[@markherron1407]

Happy Birthday to the Late Aaron Copland his Birth Card is Six 🕕 of Clubs! Merry Christmas ⛄🎄 Blessings and Hugs 💖💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕!

[@section8motorpool466]

This is so American... Adventurous, Happy and FREE!

[@mikeggg5671]

Every one of us who grew up in the 90s remember that this song told us that beef was what was for dinner

[@TjSamson]

I first heard this on Disneyland Paris' Mickey's Halloween Celebration Parade show stop, been finding it for many years and I call it a success! ❤️

[@marty3888]

I first heard this when my girlfriend bought me te album "Trilogy" by Emerson, Lake & Palmer.

[@codywitt7684]

Beautiful

[@OuroborosChoked]

This piece sticks in my mind because of that unique sound they get out of the violins. I wish I knew what exactly was going on to get that sound because you don't hear it used in any other songs (that I can think of). It's that sound that's at the start of the motif that makes me think of a turkey gobble. See 1:05.

[@mikezimmermann89]

I it harkens back to the Appalachian tradition of “fiddling”, in which two strings are often played at the same time, but I’m no expert. Anyone else care to hazard a guess?

[@timbredan3476]

@@mikezimmermann89 I would agree with this assessment 🎻

[@melamusing]

My mind always puts this piece together with Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue as the golden pair of compositions that best represent the American spirit.

[@jandrewscali]

Wonderful! Listening on the 4th of July! Better than a hot dog!

[@ReelJen]

Up loud and dancing. It makes me smile this. Gives me optimism.

[@RogelioMaresIII]

This composition represents ALL of our move west...white, black, brown, immigrant....what a land we all get to share! I'll die for this country!

[@mathewsmith1275]

just love this its like im in the kitchen and on the tv there is a western and im missing something

[@pccity8007]

Those kids were amazing! Great job!!

[@jjsc4396]

They did a great job👍 There is something I’ve noticed about this particular tune though. Bigger, fancier orchestras, with....celebrity, or more formal conductors, somehow squeeze a little of the “vibe” of this tune out of it. Can’t put my finger on it, but I’ve seen it lots of times.

[@mpaulshore]

When an ensemble is basically competent to play a piece of music but is slightly struggling with its difficulty level, that can have the effect of energizing the players and producing a more exciting performance. For that reason, the renowned band conductor Thomas Everett used to rehearse pieces just slightly below his desired tempo, and then take them up to full speed for the first time at the concert.

[@JetsBauer]

So good, so nostalgic i caught the feels

[@cochinogordo]

This restores my faith in today's American youth.

[@pibly7784]

One of my favorites .❤

[@ZienMonkey369]

Excellent performance 👏

[@MerrynB]

playing snare drum on this piece is so, so fun! Love me some Copland!

[@vgorski7545]

Fantastic performance of a wonderful piece of music !!!

[@user-kn8vw1bd1q]

My favourite version of this wonderful piece of music

[@bluehaven8472]

Love this🌟

[@barbapapa9741]

2002 Olympic Winter Games Opening Ceremony - That' s what this song reminds me of.

[@adamekhoff43]

The girl/woman who did that trombone solo is tied with the main theme. B E E F O V E R L O A D

[@andrewlabat9963]

I'm always so impressed with the musical talent of great orchestras.. Bravo.. 👏

[@Iloveicecream_]

Love this ❤️

[@DigitalMage]

I remember playing this my senior year of high school with my marching band. ❤

[@Jeeppeeps]

It’s funny how most of us know this beautiful piece as the beef it’s what’s for dinner commercial. Funny how advertising works.

[@olebiker]

I grew up in the '50s and '60s. Most of my exposure to great music came from it being used in cartoons.

[@happyjacky52]

Some music makes me cry and thankful to be alive. A true classic. These young people should be very proud. I wish the conductor showed a bit more enthusiasm.

[@siafrisk1230]

What's a conductor again LOl

[@austinhenning6271]

Sounds like the prairie of America

[@safespacebear]

This is what American frontier spirit and rugged exceptionalism sounds like, to me anyhow.

[@nohandle62]

Wonderful.

[@ursulamannix7311]

Beautiful.

[@rachelectroDC-84]

Man this song is a beast. So much so that I once resorted to playing nothing but straight G notes, while performing this in a big marching band competition. I could either march well and hit all my marks, or play the notes faithfully - but not both!

[@miyajohnson7814]

i love it

[@jasobres]

And don't forget: It's what's for dinner!

[@cassiecollingsworth7407]

BEEF!

[@romeovashishthviolin9384]

I was so happy they used this in the commercial

[@janicesullivan8942]

@@cassiecollingsworth7407 Yum😋

[@ericcommarato7727]

smoke coming out of those oboe keys...glad to see youth here, gives you hope in a world of turmoil.

[@ScrimmyBingus42]

1:12 chills, every time

[@johns.8082]

A very spirited rendering.

[@mickthequick5175]

Awesome!!!!

[@emery1057]

Noooo!! Don’t you even dare start clapping 2:41

[@btetschner]

A+ video! Sound amazing!

[@Zinferbuddy]

This is SO GOOOD

[@donaldwarren463]

that was simply the BEST !

[@dmmayfield6726]

Even with MTT conducting in his too understated manner, it's STILL 'Rodeo' By A. C.!!

[@gusjenkins1193]

OUTSTANDING MUSIC !💝😉

[@gregoryhurst8483]

No, it’s not just a commercial for beef

[@gottalovepiano5682]

WOW! 🤠👍

[@yiwang2922]

I’m going to perform that right away in the orchestra

[@eunaekim9216]

20th century - the ultimate hoedown. 21st century - Beef, it's what's for dinner!

[@virginiaclark2476]

Excellent

[@georgechiang6397]

BRAVO

[@camcordernonsense5264]

they make that sound great.

[@jubalcalif9100]

Bravissimo !!

[@markherron1407]

Happy birthday to Aaron Copland his birthday verse is Acts 11:14 rest in peace ✌️ Merry Christmas 🎄 Blessings and hugs 🤗💞😂💘❤️💕🤗🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@DonDonP1]

0:12-0:13 I love the way MTT salutes with his conducting baton.

[@emjay2045]

👏🏻. Bravo !! 🤠

[@emery1057]

Someone’s parents never been to an orchestra concert 2:44

[@kristenjohnson6583]

Maybe they never heard the piece before.

[@merijevons]

Fine execution, awful audience. Really, what the hell?

[@anthonyat2401]

Indeed. It's the age of ignorance.

[@wanderinstar1062]

I once heard someone shouting BRAVADO, BRAVADO at the end of a concert.

[@1576bmoc]

LOL

[@amarpreetsingh7066]

Yes sir..ride em'☆>☆

[@thedealer777]

"BEEF, ...its what's for dinner!"

[@debbiebadger8747]

Im gonna pee Rofl!

[@wesswood1]

Well done

[@Temeraire101]

Always get me the big grin on the Asian violinists face when the whooping starts.

[@5950155]

luv

[@rhas356]

Two things on this great rendition: 1) At 3:26 the Double Basses are having a whale of a time! 2) Per 2:20 I have to support an orchestra with no fewer than 5 bassoons

[@meganmcgowan5798]

Yes, and the dark-haired girl on the violin at 3:28 looks like she's having a ball with it. That's what making music should do. It should be fun and enjoyable.

[@sphinxman90]

Beef It's What's For Dinner - Circa 1993 Commercial Brought Me Here!

[@austinhenning4935]

This song sounds like Iowa

[@user-og5nr6cc8k]

❤

[@hughbarton5743]

Michael T.T. murders it...well, yea! The orchestra: aggressive, hard, gorgeous on the downbeat! At 3.00 minutes or thereabouts: the trombonist stands up and tears it.... I was a little blue earlier... But a dose of this and Mr. Copland's "The Red Pony" took care of that nonsense! Thank you so much!!!

[@TBONE_2004]

Sam Elliot voiceover: Whether it's on a sandwich, served medium rare on a plate, or served in a flour tortilla, you can always count on quality when you serve it on the table. *Beef. **_It's what's for dinner!_*

[@crismenth]

Beef - it's whats for dinner

[@professoresteve90]

Suddenly I have a hankering for a medium rare kc strip

[@MichaelBurmy]

*pauses at **3:39* Beef. It's what's for dinner. *resumes*

[@Chris0252]

Prairy Tractor Music ! nicely done thanks, Greatings from The Netherlands

[@fenris91]

And now I'm hungry....

[@laurenstygar7996]

Hey 😎, the kids with sneakers snuck in and played!!🤣😎😎😎

[@homeofcreation]

Adams Big percussion instruments from a small country really conquered the world.

[@TheAries414]

At 1:31 and 3:15 the oboe are my fav part

[@TheAries414]

1:31

[@George_M_]

MTT having a good day, raising his arms all the way above midriff level. Even conducting, sometimes. (Sorry, I've watched him make 'meh' performances out of too many pieces, and these performers could just as soon have done an encore type piece like this perfectly with their eyes closed)

[@nickyork8901]

Yeah, he was totally not interested. What a shame.

[@livefreeordiehardkor]

Ah yeah!!!! We all know what's for dinner😮

[@Hertog_von_Berkshire]

Visitor to New York: Excuse me, how do I get to Carnegie Hall? New Yorker: Practice man, practice.