Discovering Masterpieces of American Music

* A second session will be held at 7 p.m.

This series is designed to enhance the current season of the Des Moines Symphony Spirit of America. This program is led by Joan Jamison, MME, and will feature a different American composer each month. A short DVD will provide biographical information. Major works by the composer will be presented and discussed.

Aaron Copland was an American classical composer, composition teacher, writer, and later in his career a conductor of his own and other American music. He was instrumental in forging a distinctly American style of composition, and is often referred to as "the Dean of American Composers". ]He is best known to the public for the works he wrote in the 1930s and 40s in a deliberately more accessible style than his earlier pieces, including the ballets Appalachian Spring, Billy the Kid, Rodeo and his Fanfare for the Common Man. The open, slowly changing harmonies of many of his works are archetypical of what many people consider to be the sound of American music, evoking the vast American landscape and pioneer spirit. However, he wrote music in different styles at different periods of his life: his early works incorporated jazz or avant-garde elements whereas his later music incorporated serial techniques. In addition to his ballets and orchestral works he produced music in many other genres including chamber music, vocal works, opera and film scores.

Everyone welcome!