“Rodeo – Hoe-Down”
Written by:Â Aaron Copland
Composed:Â 1942
Release Date:Â October 16, 1942
Available on: America, The Dream Goes On (1985)
Conductor: John Williams
Producer: John McClure
Arranger: John Williams
Personnel:
Boston Pops Orchestra
Composed by Aaron Copland in 1942 for the ballet Rodeo, the âHoe-Downâ features two American square dance tunes and fuses evocative music and dance. Rodeo takes us to the exciting, dramatic world of cowboys, cowgirls and the American West. A hoedown is a dance competition that is often described as noisy and riotous. The music is full of vigor and energy as the cowgirls and boys pair off.
The commission for Rodeo came, surprisingly enough, from the classically oriented Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, with the music by Copland and the choreography and scenario by Agnes de Mille. The ballet was precedent-setting; the audience demanded 22 curtain calls at its premiere at the Metropolitan Opera House on October 16, 1942. The success of this ballet ensured that dance would thrive as an integral part of American musical theater.
Aaron Copland (1900-1990) was possibly the most famous American composer of the 20th century. He was one of the first serious American composers to carve out his own path amongst the much more famous songwriters and jazz musicians of the 1920s. His music is said to âsound like Americaâ and often features a large, open sound (like the vast American prairies), and complex rhythms (like cowboys on horseback). Copland was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, the youngest of 5 children all living above their fatherâs grocery shop. Copland learned piano  and started writing down ideas at the age of 8. By the age of 15 he had decided to be a composer and his love of European music led him to Paris to study with the famous music teacher Nadia Boulanger. When he returned home, he began writing music in many different styles including three symphonies, four ballets and several film scores. He also became a great teacher and supporter of young composers. Upon his death, most of his fortune was left to the Aaron Copland Fund for Composers which supports young composers and performing groups. The fund is so large, it will continue to support young musicians for decades.
The music of âHoe-Downâ is about real people âŠ. their folk tunes and customs; itâs full of open plains, a sense of adventure and the American pioneering spirit.
This is Aaron Coplandâs âHoe-Downâ from Rodeo, performed by the Boston Pops Orchestra under the baton of John Williams.
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