Music Appreciation 3e Kamien
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Aaron Copland (1900-1990)

Appalachian Spring (Section 7, Simple Gifts)

Instrumentation: flutes (2), oboes (2), clarinets (2), bassoons (2), French horns (2), trumpets (2), trombones (2), timpani, triangle, glockenspiel, harp, piano, strings

Form: theme and variations

CD 3, Tracks 40-45, Duration 2:58

40) Theme
Clarinet presents main theme (Simple Gifts).

41) Variation 1
Oboe and bassoon present main theme, slightly faster, in higher register.
:13 Triangle

42) Variation 2
High harp, piano, glockenspiel, introduce the main theme.
:03 Violas and trombone enter with main theme played half as fast.
:15 Main theme imitated in violins, cellos, and then basses.
:39 Strings and woodwinds provide a short transition to Variation 3.

43) Variation 3
Trumpets and tombones present main theme in short note values (staccato) and faster. Short string flourishes enter at several points (i.e., :06, :09, :18).

44) Variation 4
Woodwinds present second part of the main theme. The music is slower and serves to bring out the majestic nature of the final Variation.

45) Variation 5
The climax of the work is presented here with the full orchestra playing the main theme in a slower, stately manner.

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