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Copland conducts Copland / Goodman, Los Angeles Philharmonic

Copland Conducts Copland
Release Date: 03/09/2018 
Label:  Naxos   Catalog #: 2110397  
Composer:  Aaron Copland
Performer:  Benny Goodman
Conductor:  Aaron Copland
Orchestra/Ensemble:  Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra
Number of Discs: 1 
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Notes and Editorial Reviews

Also available on Blu-ray

This concert film made in the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles in 1976 captures a memorable performance conducted by the doyen of American composers, Aaron Copland (1900–1990). It includes some of his greatest and most attractive music, from the patriotic flourish of Fanfare for the Common Man and the spirited orchestral fantasy El Salón México, to the colloquial warmth of his suite from the opera The Tender Land. Of particular importance is the collaboration with the great Benny Goodman in the masterwork he commissioned and premiered, the Clarinet Concerto.

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REVIEWS:

Copland was a Read more precise, energetic, and alert conductor, smiling happily at the orchestra after each piece and enjoying himself enormously in the performance of the Hoedown from the ballet Rodeo. It’s a great watch, and a rewarding listen as well.

– Gramophone

Aaron Copland had an easy presence on the rostrum, totally free of histrionics, while getting a ready response from the Los Angeles Philharmonic. I guess the timpanist would have liked a retake of the opening Fanfare for the Common Man where he had intonation problems, but elsewhere the orchestra are immaculate, Copland’s face displaying his total pleasure in each of the performances. The recorded sound is very good for that period, with a reasonably good internal balance, while visually it has sharp-edged colors.

– David’s Review Corner (David Denton Read less

Works on This Recording

1.
Fanfare for the common man by Aaron Copland
Conductor:  Aaron Copland
Orchestra/Ensemble:  Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra
Period: 20th Century 
Written: 1942; USA 
2.
El salón México by Aaron Copland
Conductor:  Aaron Copland
Orchestra/Ensemble:  Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra
Period: 20th Century 
Written: 1932-1936; USA 
3.
Concerto for Clarinet by Aaron Copland
Performer:  Benny Goodman (Clarinet)
Conductor:  Aaron Copland
Orchestra/Ensemble:  Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra
Period: 20th Century 
Written: 1947-1948; USA 
4.
Rodeo: Four Dance Episodes - no 4, Hoe-down by Aaron Copland
Conductor:  Aaron Copland
Orchestra/Ensemble:  Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra
Period: 20th Century 
Written: 1942; USA 
5.
The Tender Land: Suite - Introduction and Love Music by Aaron Copland
Conductor:  Aaron Copland
Orchestra/Ensemble:  Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra
Period: 20th Century 
Written: 1954/1955; USA 

Customer Reviews

Average Customer Review:  ( 3 Customer Reviews )
 More isn't always better November 1, 2018 By Stephen V. (Loveland, CO) See All My Reviews "To my way of thinking, Aaron Copland is kind of a mixed bag. Some of his work is stellar and some, well, much less so. I suppose the same could be said for all of us. I pulled this album out recently and just couldn't make my way through all of it. I'm not a composer or professional musician, just an avid listener. My first exposure to Mr. Copland was the Lincoln Portrait which we performed in concert band my sophomore year in high school. It was wonderful. (My last foray as a performing musician was in college four years later.) Many of Mr. Copland's works are certainly landmarks in our American cultural heritage. My disappointment in this album is that there are several pieces that seem less like "portraits" and more like "doodles." There is an abundance of good music in the world. I'll spend my time with other albums." Report Abuse
 A Delightful Concert October 12, 2018 By Michael T Ryan (Maidstone, ON) See All My Reviews "If you are a lover of Copland's music then you will really enjoy this concert in which he conducts several of his own pieces. His animation and frequent smiles show him as man really immersed in the music and in the orchestra's playing. Another great feature is the appearance of the great Benny Goodman playing the Clarinet Concerto composed for him by Copeland. The only serious drawback is the quality of the picture. This concert took place in the mid 1970s, and this DVD has been created from videotape. Still, the quality is adequate and I regard this DVD as a real treasure." Report Abuse
 Copland conducts Copland - Outstanding September 29, 2018 By Glen D. (Coconut Creek, FL) See All My Reviews "It is always a joy to watch Copland conduct his own works. He certainly interprets his music the way he conceived it. Benny Goodman's performance of the piece written for him is a bonus on this album." Report Abuse
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