Copland’s Third
A Great Symphonic Statement
8.559844
“There are few works as iconic as Aaron
Copland’s Symphony No. 3. Some even consider
it the finest work in symphonic form by an
American composer. What is less known is that
after consultation with Leonard Bernstein,
Copland made alterations to a few passages
in this work. Only recently has the original version
been made available to musicians. Most striking
among these changes is the elongated coda,
which adds a broader and richer palette of
sonority to the already boisterous proceedings.
It is this original version that we have chosen to
record. Regardless of whether one believes the excisions were
a good or bad idea, the third symphony remains at the head of the
class when it comes to true symphonic form presented from an American viewpoint.
Copland had a strong affinity for the melodies and rhythms of Mexico. Perhaps his least-known work expressing these feelings comes in the form of his Three Latin American Sketches. Although written for relatively small orchestral forces, they contain all the wit and energy we have come to associate with this composer’s travels south.”
Copland’s Symphony No. 3. Some even consider
it the finest work in symphonic form by an
American composer. What is less known is that
after consultation with Leonard Bernstein,
Copland made alterations to a few passages
in this work. Only recently has the original version
been made available to musicians. Most striking
among these changes is the elongated coda,
which adds a broader and richer palette of
sonority to the already boisterous proceedings.
It is this original version that we have chosen to
record. Regardless of whether one believes the excisions were
a good or bad idea, the third symphony remains at the head of the
class when it comes to true symphonic form presented from an American viewpoint.
Copland had a strong affinity for the melodies and rhythms of Mexico. Perhaps his least-known work expressing these feelings comes in the form of his Three Latin American Sketches. Although written for relatively small orchestral forces, they contain all the wit and energy we have come to associate with this composer’s travels south.”
– Leonard Slatkin
© David Duchon-Doris
© HNH International Ltd.
About This Release
Aaron COPLAND (1900–1990)
Symphony No. 3
Three Latin American Sketches
Detroit Symphony Orchestra
Leonard Slatkin
Symphony No. 3
Three Latin American Sketches
Detroit Symphony Orchestra
Leonard Slatkin
Premièred in 1946, a year after the end of World War II, Copland’s iconic Third Symphony was described by the composer as ‘a wartime piece – or, more accurately, an end-of-war piece – intended to reflect the euphoric spirit of the country at the time.’ The fourth movement, heard on this recording in its original uncut form, opens by quoting one of his most well-known pieces, Fanfare for the Common Man. Copland described the Three Latin American Sketches ‘as being just what the title says. The tunes, the rhythms and the temperament of the pieces are folksy, while the orchestration is bright and snappy and the music sizzles along.’
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© Donald Dietz
About Leonard Slatkin
Leonard Slatkin is Music Director of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) and the Orchestre National de Lyon (ONL). He also maintains a rigorous schedule of guest conducting throughout the world and is active as a composer, author, and educator. Slatkin’s more than a hundred recordings have received seven GRAMMY® awards and 64 nominations. His Naxos recordings include works by Saint-Saëns, Ravel, and Berlioz (with the ONL) and music by Copland, Rachmaninov, Borzova, McTee, and John Williams (with the DSO).
© Cybelle Codish
About the Detroit Symphony Orchestra
The Detroit Symphony Orchestra is known for trailblazing performances, visionary conductors, collaborations with the world’s foremost musical artists, and an ardent commitment to Detroit. With growing attendance and unwavering philanthropic support from the Detroit community, the DSO’s performance schedule includes Classical, Pops, Jazz, Young People’s, and Neighborhood concerts, and collaborations with high profile artists from Steven Spielberg to Kid Rock.
❚ Other titles by DSO and Leonard Stlatkin ❚
8.559758 • NBD0037
“The performance is fresh and breezy … this is an enjoyable programme”
– BBC Music Magazine ★★★★
RESMUSICA
CLEF DU MOIS
8.559806
“[Slatkin’s] interpretation is vigorous and communicative, and the playing is distinguished too”
– Gramophone
8.559765
“The DSO does a great job exploring these unique pieces.”
– Cinemusical ★★★★★
8.559706
“Leonard Slatkin has apparently taken a great liking to the composer and has described his pleasure in recording these works. This pleasure is reflected in the excellent performances, well recorded here.”
– MusicWeb International
