A2 20th Century Music Essay Assignment

Due Date – Monday 16/11/08

Identify and comment on the nationalistic features in the music of Copland.

Refer to specific passages to illustrate your answer.

Your answer should also refer to the following:

• The influence of American folk music

• Direct quotation of folk melody e.g. Appalchian Spring
• Manipulation of folk melody e.g. Rodeo
• Integration of folk qualities such as melodic simplicity and diatonic
harmony e.g. The Tender Land
• Use of traditional dance rhythms
• Incorporates elements of American Jazz, 20’s jazz, blues, swing style
(clarinet concerto), cool jazz (Something Wild) e.g Music for Theatre,
Piano Concerto
• Influence of Latin and South American music e.g. El Salon Mexico,
integration of Mexican folk songs, irregular rhythms, accents
• Settings of American literature e.g. Twelve Poems of Emily Dickinson,
Poet’s Song
• Celebration of American democratic ideals e.g. Fanfare for the
Common Man
• Film music e.g. Of Mice and Men, Our Town