A2 20th Century Music Essay Assignment

Due Date – Monday 16/11/08

Identify and comment on the nationalistic features in the music of Copland. Refer to specific passages to illustrate your answer.

Your answer should also refer to the following:

The influence of American folk music Direct quotation of folk melody e.g. Appalchian Spring Manipulation of folk melody e.g. Rodeo Integration of folk qualities such as melodic simplicity and diatonic

harmony e.g. The Tender Land Use of traditional dance rhythms Incorporates elements of American Jazz, 20’s jazz, blues, swing style

(clarinet concerto), cool jazz (Something Wild) e.g Music for Theatre, Piano Concerto

Influence of Latin and South American music e.g. El Salon Mexico, integration of Mexican folk songs, irregular rhythms, accents

Settings of American literature e.g. Twelve Poems of Emily Dickinson, Poet’s Song

Celebration of American democratic ideals e.g. Fanfare for the Common Man

Film music e.g. Of Mice and Men, Our Town