Aaron Copland
Composer
Aaron Copland (November 14, 1900 – December 2, 1990) was one of the most popular American composers of the 20th century. Peers and critics came to refer to him as "the Dean of American Composers.” His open harmonies, echoing the open strings of the fiddle, became an iconic sound associated with the American West and America’s pioneering spirit, although he was born and raised in Brooklyn. His most famous works include the cowboy ballets Billy the Kid, Appalachian Spring, and Rodeo, as well as El salon Mexico, Fanfare for the Common Man and his Third Symphony.
After studying in Paris with the famous composition teacher Nadia Boulanger, Copland returned to the U.S. to write the cowboy ballets as a means to lift the spirit during the Great Depression.