In the Beginning

Donald Macleod begins Copland’s story in a Brooklyn department store, where a young Aaron balanced family duties with a growing passion for music. From early piano lessons with his sister to secret ambitions and formative encounters with Rubin Goldmark, we follow Copland’s journey from toy counters to concert platforms.

4 Dance Episodes from Rodeo: iv. Hoe Down
New York Philharmonic
Leonard Bernstein, conductor

Two Preludes for violin and piano
Peter Zazofsky, violin
Paul Posnak, piano

Four Early Songs:
i. Night
ii. A Summer Vacation
iii. My Heart is in the East
iv. Alone
Barbara Bonney, soprano
Malcolm Martineau, piano

Four Motets: iii. Have Mercy On Us, O My Lord
Polyphony
Stephen Layton, conductor

Three Moods:
i. Embittered
ii. Wistful
iii. Jazzy
Leo Smit, piano

Symphony for Organ and Orchestra:
ii. Scherzo
iii. Finale: Lento
Simon Preston, organ
Leonard Slatkin, conductor
Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra

Produced by Ellie Ajao for BBC Audio Wales and West.