Weekly beauty: Appalachian Spring

It's Independence Day weekend, so it seems appropriate to highlight a piece of music that seems quintessentially American in sound and story, Appalachian Spring by Aaron Copland.

The most well-known section is the seventh, with the variations on a Shaker theme, so here it is, with links below to the rest of the work.






This work was originally a ballet, arranged in eight sections and telling the story of a celebration after the building of a new farmhouse in 19th-century Pennsylvania. Here are excerpts from Wikipedia introducing each section, following Copland's own description:

Very slowly. Introduction of the characters (a newlywed couple, a neighbor, a revivalist preacher and his followers), one by one....

Fast....A sentiment both elated and religious gives the keynote to this scene.

Moderate. Duo for the Bride and her Intended – scene of tenderness and passion.

Quite fast. The Revivalist and his flock. Folksy feeling – suggestions of square dances and country fiddlers.

Still faster. Solo dance of the Bride – presentiment of motherhood. Extremes of joy and fear and wonder.

Very slowly (as at first). Transition scene to music reminiscent of the introduction.

Calm and flowing. Scenes of daily activity for the Bride and her Farmer husband. There are five variations on a Shaker theme....The melody most borrowed and used almost literally is called "Simple Gifts."

Moderate. Coda. The Bride takes her place among her neighbors. At the end the couple are left "quiet and strong in their new house."...The close is reminiscent of the opening music.

And here are videos of all eight sections:

Section 1
Section 2
Section 3
Section 4
Section 5
Section 6
Section 7
Section 8

Enjoy Appalachian Spring, and happy Fourth of July!