An Analysis Of Aaron Copland's Appalachian Spring

1. The wind band is a tradition that began with American bandmaster John Phillip Sousa. Ever since its creation, the wind band has been a tradition and a staple in the American marching bands. Beginning as early as the Civil War, the armies of the American military would march to the beat of these wind bands, and the tradition would continue for many years to come, including the U.S. Marine Band, of which Sousa was the bandmaster. It was not only relevant to military marching, but also recreationally as an enjoyment to the active servicemen.

2. Aaron Copland has been considered as one of the greatest American composers of the 20th century. Born in Brooklyn, he went on to study in France with his teacher Nadia Boulanger, and after coming back he went on to compose many different pieces, most with widely different inspirations. Some of these influences included the Mexican melodies and rhythms, the element of ballet employed by Stravinsky, the contemporary jazz of the time, and interestingly, Appalachian and other Anglo-American folk melodies.

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Copland’s Appalachian Spring, a ballet, is among one of his best-known pieces; it is interesting in that an important part of the piece’s success was his collaboration with other prominent dancers and choreographers. Appalachian Spring tells the story of a pioneer celebration in spring, which revolves around the marriage of a young couple and their emotions, both joyful and apprehensive, throughout the