The Music of Aaron Copland - Hardcover

NEIL BUTTERWORTH was formerly Head of Music at Napier College, Edinburgh.

Given Aaron Copland's stature as a major figure in American music, it is regrettable that there is currently no comprehensive study of his entire output. This modest volume, by a British composer and music critic, is an earnest attempt, but does not adequately fill the need. Butterworth discusses Copland's music in chronological order, in terms understandable to the layperson, and while he does offer lucid observations, the overall quality of the book is uneven. Short musical examples in a piano reduction accompany the discussion of most works, but they are rendered in a calligraphically insecure hand, and reduced in some cases to the point of illegibility. An engaging conversation between Copland and Leo Smit on piano music is included, as well as an extensive and up-to-date bibliography. Recommended for general collections. Larry Lipkis, Music Dept., Moravian Coll. , Bethlehem, Pa.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.