Aaron Copland stands as one of the defining figures of American classical music.
This is the composer who crafted a sound that evokes the vast landscapes, pioneering spirit, and cultural richness of the United States. From sweeping orchestral works to intimate chamber pieces, Copland's music blends folk influences, jazz idioms, and modernist techniques, creating an unmistakable and deeply expressive style.
Whether capturing the rugged determination of the American frontier or the vibrant energy of city life, Aaron Copland’s works remain powerful and enduring. In this list, we explore 11 of his greatest compositions, each showcasing his genius and his profound impact on 20th-century music.
Best of Copland: 11 essential works
11. Piano Variations (1930)
A stark, modernist piece, Piano Variations demonstrates Copland’s early experimentation with dissonance and atonality. Its angular lines and relentless rhythmic drive make it one of his most challenging piano works, showcasing his versatility as a composer.
10. Twelve Poems of Emily Dickinson (1950)
Copland didn’t write many songs, but this cycle is one of the finest written after the Second World War. Deeply personal, it deals with love, death and self-discovery, masterfully setting the great poet Emily Dickinson’s introspective, enigmatic poetry to music.
Recommended recording: Barbara Bonney (soprano), André Previn (piano) Decca 455 5112
9. The Tender Land (1954)
This opera, set in the American Midwest, explores themes of love, isolation, and self-discovery. The three-movement suite taken from the opera, including the heartfelt 'The Promise of Living', reflects Copland’s folk-inspired lyricism, making it a touching and evocative portrait of rural American life.
8. El Salón Mexico (1936)
Inspired by a trip to Mexico, this colourful orchestral piece captures the lively atmosphere of a dance hall. Infused with Mexican folk tunes and rhythmic vitality, it marked Copland’s transition toward a more accessible style and remains a vibrant, rhythmic showcase of Latin American influence.
Recommended recording: Detroit Symphony Orchestra/Leonard Slatkin Naxos 8559758
7. Lincoln Portrait (1942)
A patriotic work for orchestra and narrator, Lincoln Portrait combines Copland’s stirring orchestral writing with excerpts from Abraham Lincoln’s speeches. This powerful tribute to democracy and leadership has been performed by notable figures, reinforcing its significance in American musical history.
6. Clarinet Concerto (1948)
Commissioned by jazz legend Benny Goodman, this lyrical and jazz-inflected work showcases Copland’s ability to blend classical and popular styles (the opening movement has been called ‘a perfect fusion of Satie and Mahler’). The concerto features a flowing, melancholic opening, followed by a vibrant, syncopated second movement, making it a favorite among clarinetists.
Recommended recording: Benny Goodman (clarinet), Columbia Symphony Orchestra/Leonard Bernstein Sony SK 43337
Best of Copland: his top five works
5. Symphony No. 3 (1943)
Considered Copland’s greatest symphonic achievement, this grand and heroic work fuses his signature American sound with symphonic depth. The final movement incorporates Fanfare for the Common Man, creating an uplifting and triumphant conclusion that reflects the post-war American spirit.
Recommended recording: New York Philharmonic Orchestra/Leonard Bernstein DG 419 1702
4. Billy the Kid (1938)
One of Copland’s first major ballet successes, Billy the Kid paints a vivid picture of the Wild West. It blends folk melodies, expansive harmonies, and dynamic rhythms to tell the story of the legendary outlaw, showcasing Copland’s ability to create a uniquely American musical narrative.
Recommended recording: Philadelphia Orchestra/Eugene Ormandy
3. Rodeo (1942)
This lively ballet depicts the American West with energy and humor. Its famous 'Hoedown' movement, based on folk fiddle tunes, is instantly recognizable and has been widely used in film, television, and even advertising. The piece captures the playful, spirited nature of cowboy life.
Recommended recording: San Francisco Symphony Orchestra/Michael Tilson Thomas RCA 82876658402
2. Fanfare for the Common Man (1942)
A bold, brass-heavy work written during World War II, this fanfare honours the resilience of everyday Americans. Its majestic, spacious lines and powerful percussion create an iconic sense of grandeur, influencing movie scores and remaining a staple in patriotic and ceremonial events.
Recommended recording:
London Symphony Orchestra/Aaron Copland
Sony Classical SMK 89874
1. Appalachian Spring (1944)
Perhaps Copland’s most beloved work, the score for the 1944 ballad Appalachian Spring captures the spirit of rural America with its open harmonies and folk-like melodies. The famous 'Simple Gifts' variation embodies a sense of optimism and simplicity, making this piece an enduring symbol of American music and culture.
Recommended recording: Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra/Leonard Bernstein DG 477 6352
