Thy Song Expands My Spirit

Description

Piano — In 1980, for the celebration of Aaron Copland’s 80th birthday, the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. asked Claudia Stevens to perform a series of concerts featuring all the piano music of Aaron Copland.xa0 She thought it would be interesting to intersperse Copland’s pieces with short works, especially written for the occasion, by some of his friends and former students.xa0 I was delighted that she asked me to contribute to this project and I composed this short tribute to Copland.xa0 Of all of my teachers, Copland was the most influential and the man who changed my musical horizons more than anyone else.xa0 Therefore, when contemplating this piece, Walt Whitman’s line, “Thy Song Expands My Spirit” came to mind and I felt it an appropriate title for this short work dedicated to the master.xa0 The piece itself is in two sections: a slow introduction based on the famous opening chord of “Appalachian Spring” which is followed by a fast scherzo in a modified rondo form.xa0 This section has a recurring “energy” rather than a returning theme.xa0 The vigorous energy is interrupted by folksong-like tunes but this second part of the work never loses its happy and celebratory spirit.—Samuel Adler A short, slow, and dense section introduces a bright and witty birthday tribute to Aaron Copland, in Adler's personal modern style. 3 1/2 min. For college, conservatory, professional. Difficult.