Search - Aaron Copland, Michael Tilson Thomas, San Francisco Symphony Orchestra :: Aaron Copland: The Essence of America [Box Set]

The Music is Beautiful, but the Extras are Priceless

Anthony Toohey | King City, CA USA | 02/20/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Michael Tilson Thomas has long been known to have had a happy and fruitful relationship with the great Aaron Copland. His intimate knowledge of Copland's music and heart are evident in these recordings. The second symphony and the Appalachian Ballet(! as opposed to suite, which leaves out a very gorgeous, mysterious movement) are gorgeously rendered, as is the inimitable Fanfare for the Common Man. Billy the Kid is always a delight, of course. The Orchestral Variations are so invigoratingly different from what most people think of when they think of Copland, and this rendering is lively and precise. If I had one complaint, and it is a small one, it would be that I had a hard time with this interpretation of Rodeo, which didn't seem to find it's rhythm and gallop the way I'm used to. Still good, but I've heard better.



But for me, an aspiring composer, the thing that puts this set over the top is the absolutely delightful commentary on the contents of the set by MTT. Not only do you get to hear a wonderful history lesson, but MTT obviously has a light, joyous love of music, and particularly that of Copland, that is infectious and inspiring. After hearing the commentary, I found myself much more deeply involved in the second listening of the set. I must disagree with the reviewer who compared MTT with Bernstein, not that one has more "quality" than the other, but that such a comparison has any merit or point in the first place. They are two very different people. MTT's commentary makes this set a must-have for Music lovers and especially for Copland aficionados."

The two faces of Copland

David Gottner | 10/28/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This set contains 2 music CD's: One CD has Copland's earlier more chaotic works, and the other CD has the Copland's more famous works: Rodeo, Billy the Kid, and Appalacian Spring suites. The third CD is a commentary on the works on the other two disks, and also contains "Fanfare for the Common Man".The Appalacian disk is the greatest of the set. All three works have a new fresh interpretation, and the Appalacian Spring suite includes a section that is usually cut in most performances. (When I first listened it definitely took me by surprise!) MTT is perhaps the greatest living conductor for modern music and he does not disappoint.I did not care much for the CD containing Copland's modernistic works. The early works are very aggressive and "in-your-face" with irregular rhythms, which some may prefer, but they are a bit too modern for me.The commentary disk is delivered in a somewhat dry manner, but is worth listening too for some insight about the music. The commenary for the Appalacian Suite (where he explains the restored "Preacher" section) is good, and it is necessary to listen to the commentary to even hope to understand the modern works. (Actually, it helped me to appreciate the "Orchestral Variations" on the first CD -- perhaps the only modernist work in this set that I really enjoy.)"

Aaron Copland: The Essence of America

Ryan Hepburn | Cambridge University, UK | 06/23/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Having heard MTT perform Copland live and with astounding impact I was delighted with this set. MTT's perfomances are exciting and have alot of insight. The 'Modernist' CD is perhaps a little dry compared with the 'Populist' one but the two compliment each other well as a result.

MTT's comments as an interpreter and friend of Copland are invaluable and provide an accurate and lively interpretation of the composer's music. He delivers his words with great enthusiasm and clarity and his 'scat' singing on the disk is not to be missed!..

All in all this is a great box set and every Copland fan/student should have it. I hope it's not too long before MTT releases a recording of the 3rd Symphony - if it turned out like this set then we would have another definitive Copland recording."