Aaron Copland: The Life and Work of an Uncommon Man

by Howard Pollack

Opening with a 12-page chapter that gives a sharper impression of the great American composer's personality than many full-length books, this superb biography goes from strength to strength as it elucidates Aaron Copland's background, beliefs, affiliations, and achievements. Music historian Howard Pollack depicts Copland (1900-90) as a man whose inner serenity and self-confidence enabled him to encompass "startling dichotomies" in his life and work. "A participant in the avant-garde, he wrote works of popular appeal," comments the author. "A Jewish, homosexual, liberal New Yorker, he became a national hero." Moving forward in a generally chronological manner, the narrative mixes two kinds of chapters. Some pursue themes over time: his feelings about European music (he adored Stravinsky, was ambivalent about Mozart), his political commitments (which got him into trouble during the McCarthy era), and his relationships with fellow composers and a host of nonmusical artists all equally determined to give America its own distinctive culture. Others concentrate on describing and analyzing groups of compositions: perennial favorites like Appalachian Spring and Billy the Kid, of course, but also the concertos and symphonies respected by his peers. In either mode, Pollack writes with a clarity and dignity eminently suitable to his subject, who seems as warmly appealing as his music. --Wendy Smith

Genres: Music, Biography, History, Nonfiction

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Howard Pollack is John and Rebecca Moores Professor of Music at the University of Houston, where he has taught since 1987.

Reviews

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

As one who adores Copland's music, I found this comprehensive biography to be an incredibly difficult yet satisfying work. To fully appreciate it, one needs to be a serious musician. I am not and therefore found some of the passages needed rereading to at least glean something of what the author intended to convey. If you delve into this book, be prepared to reread and re-reread a number of passages and chapters if you want to learn as much as it has to offer.

Many have commented on the disjointed order of the book. I agree, at first it was disconcerting. Many of the chapters are stand-alone essays that, especially in the first half of the book, require a certain knowledge of Copland and his works. But, as stated above, if one is patient and willing to reread the passages after the discussions of individual works that come later, it is understandable why the author chose this approach.

For young students of 20th century American music, this is a treasure trove of information about the many composers who are more than obscure to casual listeners of this era of music. I found myself looking up many of the artists and expect it will keep me busy for years to learn more. Readers will get an incredible understanding of what Copland meant to his colleagues. His promotion and encouragment of their work shows a selfless side of Copland that only endears him more to those who love his music and influence.

As a trivial side note, I was particularly pleased that the author noted Keith Emerson's "respectfully arranged" interpretation of Fanfare for the Common Man. It was as a young high school student listening to Emerson, Lake & Palmer's version that introduced me to Copland in the first place (and Mussorgsky as well). Without that introduction, I would have come upon Copland much later in life and he would likely not have played such an important role in my appreciation of music. I suspect that there are others like me out there. In my view, this little snipet speaks volumes about the scope and thoroughness of this work.

If you are a serious student of music and have ambitions of composing and conducting, this book should be in your library. I wish I could have been exposed to it at a younger age.

[John Greenspan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone interested in the history of American music should read this book. What I found most interesting was how Aaron Copland came to grips with the fact that he was gay and never let it phase him during a period where that might not have been easy to do. I met Mr. Copland once and he was the kind of person you would want as your uncle. He was a great musician and a great human being.

[Louie Hehman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A massive account of a 90 year lifespan. Extremely detailed, so not for the faint of heart, but very rich and rewarding. I don't know that I've ever felt that I've known a composer as personally as I now do Copland.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended. Serious work about an extraordinary American artist.

[Ben Picillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a longtime Copland fan, I read this to learn more about his life and work. An immensely readable biography though primarily focuses on his work, delving into each work on its own. I gained a deeper appreciation of his body of work but felt that the structure could have been been more integrated instead of separating sections on his compositions and life.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting, especially as a long time Copland fan. Made me appreciate Copland, his work, and his times in a new and deeper way.

[Ben K · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring biography, wonderfully written.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this for a class but I very much enjoyed it. A very comprehensive account of the composers life and works and overall well-written.