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In the Beginning

Composer of the Week Aaron Copland (1900-1990)
Episode 1 of 5

Donald Macleod traces Copland鈥檚 roots and his first steps in music

Donald Macleod begins Copland鈥檚 story in a Brooklyn department store, where a young Aaron balanced family duties with a growing passion for music. From early piano lessons with his sister to secret ambitions and formative encounters with Rubin Goldmark, we follow Copland鈥檚 journey from toy counters to concert platforms.

4 Dance Episodes from Rodeo: iv. Hoe Down
New York Philharmonic
Leonard Bernstein, conductor

Two Preludes for violin and piano
Peter Zazofsky, violin
Paul Posnak, piano

Four Early Songs:
i. Night
ii. A Summer Vacation
iii. My Heart is in the East
iv. Alone
Barbara Bonney, soprano
Malcolm Martineau, piano

Four Motets: iii. Have Mercy On Us, O My Lord
Polyphony
Stephen Layton, conductor

Three Moods:
i. Embittered
ii. Wistful
iii. Jazzy
Leo Smit, piano

Symphony for Organ and Orchestra:
ii. Scherzo
iii. Finale: Lento
Simon Preston, organ
Leonard Slatkin, conductor
Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra

Produced by Ellie Ajao for 麻豆社 Audio Wales and West.

20 days left to listen

59 minutes

Last on

Mon 5 Jan 2026 16:00
麻豆社 Radio 3

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Music Played

  • Aaron Copland

    Rodeo (No 4, Hoe-Down)

    Orchestra: New York Philharmonic. Conductor: Leonard Bernstein.
    • SONY : SMK-63082.
    • SONY.
    • 12.

  • Aaron Copland

    2 Preludes for violin and piano

    Performer: Peter Zazofsky. Performer: Paul Posnak.
    • NAXOS : 8.559102.
    • NAXOS.
    • 7.

  • Aaron Copland

    Night

    Performer: Malcolm Martineau. Singer: Barbara Bonney.
    • ONYX: ONYX4003.
    • ONYX.
    • 11.

  • Aaron Copland

    Summer Vacation

    Performer: Malcolm Martineau. Singer: Barbara Bonney.
    • ONYX: ONYX4003.
    • ONYX.
    • 12.

  • Aaron Copland

    My Heart is in the East

    Performer: Malcolm Martineau. Singer: Barbara Bonney.
    • ONYX: ONYX4003.
    • ONYX.
    • 13.

  • Aaron Copland

    Alone

    Performer: Malcolm Martineau. Singer: Barbara Bonney.
    • ONYX: ONYX4003.
    • ONYX.
    • 14.

  • Aaron Copland

    Have Mercy On Us, O My Lord

    Choir: Polyphony. Conductor: Stephen Layton.
    • HYPERION : CDA 67929.
    • HYPERION.
    • 14.

  • Aaron Copland

    Three Moods

    Performer: Leo Smith.
    • SONY : SM2K-66345.
    • SONY.
    • 10.

  • Aaron Copland

    Symphony for Organ and Orchestra (2nd & 3rd mvts)

    Performer: Simon Preston. Orchestra: Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Leonard Slatkin.
    • RCA : 09026-68292 2.
    • RCA.
    • 1.

Broadcast

  • Mon 5 Jan 2026 16:00
    麻豆社 Radio 3

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