Fanfare for the Common Man
Aaron Copland (1900- 1990) was an American composer, teacher, writer and conductor. His work is what is considered to have defined what American music should sound like and suggests feelings of vast landscapes and pioneering spirit. At a time when ‘art’ music could be quite difficult to listen to, Copland wrote music that was much easier on the ear. He produced music for orchestra, including ballet, opera and chamber works, film scores and vocal pieces.
Written for:
Four horns (in F)
Three trumpets (in B♭)
Three trombones
Tuba
Timpani
Bass drum
tam-tam
in 1942, the title was inspired by a political speech and celebrates the ordinary man, especially considering the time that it was written (during the second world war) when ordinary men were fighting for freedom.