Adventures in Hollywood,1943-1948

Donald Macleod explores Copland’s relationship with Hollywood and how writing for film changed his life and work.

This week of programmes explores Aaron Copland’s most productive decade, and features some of his best-loved works in full. During this time Copland hit his prime. He became recognised as America’s leading composer, winning the Pulitzer Prize in Music and an Academy Award for his work in Hollywood.

He toured Europe and South America, absorbing diverse influences from each, and composed key works including his Third Symphony, Appalachian Spring, Lincoln Portrait, Fanfare for the Common Man and Rodeo.

We get a sense of how Copland’s personal and professional interests developed over the 1940s and learn about his friendships and challenges during and in the aftermath of World War II.

By 1944 Copland found himself in demand by the film industry. He was the recipient of multiple Academy Award nominations and would go on to win with his music for The Heiress. In this episode, Donald Macleod examines how Copland’s Hollywood adventures influenced his circumstances and his music.

Letter From Home
London Symphony Orchestra
Aaron Copland, conductor

The Red Pony Suite
I. Morning on the Ranch
IIIa. Dream March
IV. Walk to the Bunkhouse
V. Grandfather's Story
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra
Leonard Slatkin, conductor

Third Symphony
II. Allegro molto
III. Andantino quasi allegretto
New York Philharmonic Orchestra
Leonard Bernstein, conductor

The Heiress Suite
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra
Leonard Slatkin, conductor

Produced by Iain Chambers for BBC Wales