Copland the Modernist and Copland the Populist - What's the difference?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ron Borden on June 30, 2009 at 12:42am

The "populist" works and the Third Symphony are the only works by Copland that are truly enjoyable.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Susan Nace on June 30, 2009 at 11:25am

What in your opinion, makes them enjoyable and say "Variations" (1930) or Proclamation (1973-82) not enjoyable?

Ron Borden said:

The "populist" works and the Third Symphony are the only works by Copland that are truly enjoyable.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Susan Key on July 1, 2009 at 1:19pm

Susan, that's such a great point --even when some of the characteristics of Copland's music changed in ways that seemed huge at the time, his basic style remained the same, and with more distance we can hear that more clearly. I'm wondering if it wouldn't be a great listening exercise for your students to play them a piece from each period and ask them what, if any, differences they hear.

I'd love to hear a little more about your curriculum. Are you a music teacher?

Susan Key

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Susan Nace on July 1, 2009 at 3:22pm

Susan,
Thanks for your post and your suggestion. That is exactly what I'm going to do with the students. I need to get more orchestral modernist works, as all I have right now are piano pieces. I don't want the piano to be a dead give away for "modernist." However, if I cannot find orchestral, I can use the piano works as there are both on there.

I am a teacher, high school level. I've been frustrated with the curricula offered by textbook companies, so this year, I'm putting together my own. A daunting task, but one that I think will be more accessible to students of all musical experiences. The concept is different from any texts I've seen so far. I'm pretty excited about it. My studnets range from what I jokingly call the "in utero" Suzuki musical experience to "never played/sang and I only like what I listen to on iTunes" experience.

Again, thanks!
Susan








Susan Key said:

Susan, that's such a great point --even when some of the characteristics of Copland's music changed in ways that seemed huge at the time, his basic style remained the same, and with more distance we can hear that more clearly. I'm wondering if it wouldn't be a great listening exercise for your students to play them a piece from each period and ask them what, if any, differences they hear.

I'd love to hear a little more about your curriculum. Are you a music teacher?

Susan Key

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Susan Nace on July 12, 2009 at 7:39am

Susan,
If you are available, I'd love to talk with you about curriculum over lunch. My treat!
Susan Nace
susann (at) harker (dot) org

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Curt Azevedo on July 15, 2009 at 10:29am

I believe that the Modernist part is works that are not as familiar as the Populist works.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Susan Key on July 17, 2009 at 9:00am

Susan Nace said:

Susan,
If you are available, I'd love to talk with you about curriculum over lunch. My treat!
Susan Nace
susann (at) harker (dot) org

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Susan Key on July 17, 2009 at 9:02am

Hi Susan -- I wonder if your students would enjoy comparing the Piano Variations to the Orchestral Variations -- same work, but different instruments?

Lunch and curriculum talk sound great! Maybe the easiest thing is for you to email me: skey@sfsymphony.org

▶ Reply to This

▶ Reply to This