b'Program NotesAaron Copland(1900-1990) Appalachian Spring (Suite)Composed 1944Widely known as the Dean of American composers, Aaron Copland, more than any other 20th-century American composer, captures the American spirit and character in his music. His use of soaring melodies coupled with piquant and distinct harmonies really came to symbolize idyllic everyday American life. Commissioned by the Foundation of the Arts patron Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge in 1943 for a dance piece for Martha Grahams dance company, Copland completed the work the following year, titling it Ballet For Martha. The work was renamed Appalachian Spring by Martha Graham shortly before its premiere.Copland later reduced the ballet score into a suite for 13 instruments, cutting sections of the score which existed solely to serve the choreography. Still later, he arranged a version for full orchestra, the version we hear today.While the ballet had fourteen segments, the orchestral version includes eight, for which the composer has provided the following road map: Very slowly. Introduction of the characters, one by one, in a suffused light. Fast. Sudden burst of unison strings in A-Major arpeggios starts the action. A sentiment both elated and religious gives the keynote to this scene. Moderate. Duo for the Bride and her Intendedscene of tenderness and passion. Quite fast. The Revivalist and his flock. Folksy feelingsuggestions of square dances and country fiddlers. Still faster. Solo dance of the Bridepresentiment of motherhood. Extremes of joy and fear and wonder. Very slowly (as at first). Transition scene to music reminiscent of the introduction.'