This compilation of recordings is my favorite for the works of Aaron Copeland, that great American picture-maker in music. He captured so much of the sense and sensibility of America in wonderful pieces like, The Rodeo, and Appalachian Spring. His “political” piece, Fanfare for the Common Man, by contrast, comes across as stiff and boring.

Leonard Bernstein is just the conductor for Copeland with his fierce, unstoppable energy and exuberance. Here’s David Hurwitz’s assessment of this CD at Amazon.com:

“Happy is the composer who has an advocate as passionate and talented as Leonard Bernstein. These Copland performances have been the preferred versions since they were first issued–better even than the composer’s own, later recordings. Originally they were spread over two discs, but thanks to the extended playing time of the compact disc, you can now get all three great Copland ballets together, along with the ever popular Fanfare for the Common Man. Bernstein brings to this music the right sharpness of rhythm but also a typically open-hearted warmth. He coaxes a virtuoso response from the New York Philharmonic, which knows this music as well (or better) than anyone. Self-recommending.”

And here’s what you get for your dollars:

Appalachian Spring, concert suite for full orchestra
Composed by Aaron Copland
with New York Philharmonic
Conducted by Leonard Bernstein

Rodeo, selections from the ballet (including “Four Dance Episodes”) Buckaroo Holiday
Composed by Aaron Copland
with New York Philharmonic
Conducted by Leonard Bernstein

Billy the Kid, orchestral suite from the ballet Introduction: the Open Prairie
Composed by Aaron Copland
with New York Philharmonic
Conducted by Leonard Bernstein

Billy the Kid, orchestral suite from the ballet Street in a Frontier Town
Composed by Aaron Copland
with New York Philharmonic
Conducted by Leonard Bernstein

Billy the Kid, orchestral suite from the ballet Mexican Dance and Finale
Composed by Aaron Copland
with New York Philharmonic
Conducted by Leonard Bernstein

Billy the Kid, orchestral suite from the ballet Prairie Night
Composed by Aaron Copland
with New York Philharmonic
Conducted by Leonard Bernstein

Billy the Kid, orchestral suite from the ballet Gun Battle
Composed by Aaron Copland
with New York Philharmonic
Conducted by Leonard Bernstein

Billy the Kid, orchestral suite from the ballet Celebration
Composed by Aaron Copland
with New York Philharmonic
Conducted by Leonard Bernstein

Billy the Kid, orchestral suite from the ballet Billy’s Death
Composed by Aaron Copland
with New York Philharmonic
Conducted by Leonard Bernstein

Billy the Kid, orchestral suite from the ballet The open Prairie again
Composed by Aaron Copland
with New York Philharmonic
Conducted by Leonard Bernstein

Fanfare for the Common Man, for brass & percussion (from Symphony No. 3)
Composed by Aaron Copland
with New York Philharmonic
Conducted by Leonard Bernstein

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