Copland - Billy The Kid

Aaron Copland

Aaron Copland (1900-1990) was often referred to as the "Dean of American Composers". He was also a teacher, writer and conductor - particularly of his own music, such as this CBS disc of two of his ballet suites (recorded in 1968).

In the 1930s Copland took a conscious step to simplify his music so it became accessible to a larger audience, and works such as El salón México (1936),  Billy the Kid (1938), Rodeo (1942), and Appalachian Spring (1944) did indeed become very popular, with a distinctive American feel to them - often coming from quoting (or recreating) western tunes.

The one act ballet Billy The Kid as well as being about the eponymous character is also about the western way of life and atmosphere. The ballet was first performed in Chicago in 1938, and the orchestral suite from it had its premiere in New York with William Steinberg conducting the NBC Symphony Orchestra in 1940.

Don't forget to switch to the HD setting for the best quality

Cartridge: Miyajima Shilabe MC

Phono amp: Graham Slee Accession MC

Turntable: CTC Classic 301 with SME M2-12R

Click to enlarge