Aaron Copland "Appalachian Spring"

The archetypal American classical composer, Aaron Copland wrote some of the most recognized and beloved songs in the nation's history.

However, none is as applauded as "Appalachian Spring," a marathon of a composition that -- if broken down into its various movements -- most people would recognize in bits and pieces but probably would not guess they all come from the same piece.

Meant to tell the story of a newlywed couple in Pennsylvania with hints of Greek mythology, Copland grew his arrangement from the Shaker hymn "Simple Gifts" as a ballet for Martha Graham.

However, in Copland's mind, the song was not meant to evoke the Appalachians or spring. In fact, Graham's response to the title rather perplexed Copland.

Location: Michigan, USA

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